Header for modular energy system

ABSTRACT

A modular energy system is disclosed including a header module including an enclosure and a display including a coupler. The enclosure defines a recess. The recess includes a first guidewall and a second guidewall. The coupler is removably positionable in the recess. The coupler includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first guidewall is configured to guide the first sidewall as the coupler moves through the recess. The second guidewall is configured to guide the second sidewall as the coupler moves through the recess.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to various surgical systems, includingmodular electrosurgical and/or ultrasonic surgical systems. Operatingrooms (ORs) are in need of streamlined capital solutions because ORs area tangled web of cords, devices, and people due to the number ofdifferent devices that are needed to complete each surgical procedure.This is a reality of every OR in every market throughout the globe.Capital equipment is a major offender in creating clutter within ORsbecause most capital equipment performs one task or job, and each typeof capital equipment requires unique techniques or methods to use andhas a unique user interface. Accordingly, there are unmet consumer needsfor capital equipment and other surgical technology to be consolidatedin order to decrease the equipment footprint within the OR, streamlinethe equipment's interfaces, and improve surgical staff efficiency duringa surgical procedure by reducing the number of devices that surgicalstaff members need to interact with.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a modular energy system is disclosed including aheader module including an enclosure and a display including a coupler.The enclosure defines a recess. The recess includes a first guidewalland a second guidewall. The coupler is removably positionable in therecess. The coupler includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. Thefirst guidewall is configured to guide the first sidewall as the couplermoves through the recess. The second guidewall is configured to guidethe second sidewall as the coupler moves through the recess.

In various embodiments, a modular energy system is disclosed including aheader module including an enclosure, a display including a coupler, anda latch mechanism configured to removably latch the display to theheader module. The enclosure defines a recess. The coupler is removablypositionable in the recess.

In various embodiments, a modular energy system is disclosed including aheader module including a housing and a display including a coupler. Thehousing defines a recess including a first guidewall, a second guidewallangled relative to the first guidewall, and a first electricalconnector. The coupler is removably positionable in the recess. Thecoupler includes a second electrical connector configured to removablycouple to the first electrical connector, a first sidewall configured tomove along the first guidewall, and a second sidewall configured to movealong the second guidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewallare configured to guide the second electrical connector toward the firstelectrical connector.

FIGURES

The various aspects described herein, both as to organization andmethods of operation, together with further objects and advantagesthereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgicalsystem, in accordance with at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a surgical system being used to perform a surgical procedurein an operating room, in accordance with at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a surgical hub paired with a visualization system, a roboticsystem, and an intelligent instrument, in accordance with at least oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a surgical system comprising a generator and various surgicalinstruments usable therewith, in accordance with at least one aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a situationally aware surgical system, inaccordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of various modules and other components that arecombinable to customize modular energy systems, in accordance with atleast one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a first illustrative modular energy system configurationincluding a header module and a display screen that renders a graphicaluser interface (GUI) for relaying information regarding modulesconnected to the header module, in accordance with at least one aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is the modular energy system shown in FIG. 7A mounted to a cart,in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a second illustrative modular energy system configurationincluding a header module, a display screen, an energy module, and anexpanded energy module connected together and mounted to a cart, inaccordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a third illustrative modular energy system configuration thatis similar to the second configuration shown in FIG. 7A, except that theheader module lacks a display screen, in accordance with at least oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a fourth illustrative modular energy system configurationincluding a header module, a display screen, an energy module, aeexpanded energy module, and a technology module connected together andmounted to a cart, in accordance with at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a fifth illustrative modular energy system configurationincluding a header module, a display screen, an energy module, anexpanded energy module, a technology module, and a visualization moduleconnected together and mounted to a cart, in accordance with at leastone aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a modular energy system including communicablyconnectable surgical platforms, in accordance with at least one aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a header module of a modular energysystem including a user interface, in accordance with at least oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a stand-alone hub configuration of amodular energy system, in accordance with at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a hub configuration of a modular energysystem integrated with a surgical control system, in accordance with atleast one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a modular energy system stackillustrating a power backplane, in accordance with at least one aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a modular energy system, in accordancewith at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a modular energy system, according to at least oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of the modular energy system ofFIG. 17, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a display uncoupled from a header module of themodular energy system, according to at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a display coupled to a header module of the modularenergy system, according to at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a latch mechanism in a locked position, according toat least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates the latch mechanism of FIG. 21 in an unlockedposition, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a mounting structure with a latch mechanism,according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exploded view of FIG. 23, according to at leastone aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 illustrates a first alternative slider button for a latchmechanism, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 illustrates a second alternative slider button for a latchmechanism, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom view of a display, according to at leastone aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 illustrates a rear view of the display of FIG. 27, according toat least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of the display of FIG. 27, according toat least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 illustrates an isometric view of the display of FIG. 27,according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 illustrates a partial internal view of a header module,according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 illustrates a modular energy system, according to at least oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 illustrates a partial top view of a header module of the modularenergy system of FIG. 32, according to at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 34 illustrates a partial isometric view of a header module of themodular energy system of FIG. 32, according to at least one aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 35 illustrates a side view of the modular energy system of FIG. 32,according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 illustrates a side view of the header modular of the modularenergy system of FIG. 32, according to at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 37 illustrates a partial isometric view of the header modular ofthe modular energy system of FIG. 32, according to at least one aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 illustrates a header module with a door covering a memorycompartment, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 39 illustrates illustrated the header module of FIG. 38 with thedoor removed, according to at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 40 illustrates an alternative door for covering a memorycompartment, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 41 illustrates a side view of the door of FIG. 40, according to atleast one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 42 illustrates a rear panel of a header module with apertures andPCB mounted connectors, according to at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 43 illustrates a header module with crush ribs, according to atleast one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 44 illustrates the header module of FIG. 43 with a crush ribcrushed under a PCB, according to at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 45 illustrates an exploded view of an LCD subassembly, according toat least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 46 illustrates an LCD subassembly and a rear enclosure of a displayassembly, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 47 illustrates an assembled display assembly, according to at leastone aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 48 illustrates latches of an LCD subassembly coupled to a rearenclosure, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various disclosed embodiments, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereofin any manner.

DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications filed concurrently herewith, the disclosure of each ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9314USNP1/210018-1M, titled METHODFOR MECHANICAL PACKAGING FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM;

-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9314USNP2/210018-2, titled    BACKPLANE CONNECTOR ATTACHMENT MECHANISM FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9314USNP3/210018-3, titled    BEZEL WITH LIGHT BLOCKING FEATURES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9315USNP1/210019, titled    SURGICAL PROCEDURALIZATION VIA MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9316USNP1/210020-1M, titled    METHOD FOR ENERGY DELIVERY FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9316USNP2/210020-2, titled    MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH DUAL AMPLIFIERS AND TECHNIQUES FOR    UPDATING PARAMETERS THEREOF;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9316USNP3/210020-3, titled    MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MULTI-ENERGY PORT SPLITTER FOR MULTIPLE    ENERGY DEVICES;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9317USNP1/210021-1M, titled    METHOD FOR INTELLIGENT INSTRUMENTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9317USNP2/210021-2, titled    RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TOKEN FOR WIRELESS SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9317USNP3/210021-3, titled    INTELLIGENT DATA PORTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9318USNP1/210022-1M, titled    METHOD FOR SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9318USNP2/210022-2, titled    USER INTERFACE MITIGATION TECHNIQUES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9318USNP3/210022-3, titled    ENERGY DELIVERY MITIGATIONS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS;-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9318USNP4/210022-4, titled    ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM; and-   U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9318USNP5/210022-5, titled    MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH HARDWARE MITIGATED COMMUNICATION.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentApplications filed Sep. 5, 2019, the disclosure of each of which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,144, titled METHOD FOR    CONTROLLING A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM USER INTERFACE, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2020/0078106;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,151, titled PASSIVE HEADER    MODULE FOR A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2020/0078110;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,157, titled CONSOLIDATED    USER INTERFACE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2020/0081585;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,159, titled AUDIO TONE    CONSTRUCTION FOR AN ENERGY MODULE OF A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0314569;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,163, titled ADAPTABLY    CONNECTABLE AND REASSIGNABLE SYSTEM ACCESSORIES FOR MODULAR ENERGY    SYSTEM, now-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078111;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,123, titled METHOD FOR    CONSTRUCTING AND USING A MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH    MULTIPLE DEVICES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2020/0100830;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,135, titled METHOD FOR    CONTROLLING AN ENERGY MODULE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2020/0078076;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,180, titled ENERGY MODULE    FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2020/0078080;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,184, titled GROUNDING    ARRANGEMENT OF ENERGY MODULES, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2020/0078081;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,188, titled BACKPLANE    CONNECTOR DESIGN TO CONNECT STACKED ENERGY MODULES, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2020/0078116;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,195, titled ENERGY MODULE    FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES THROUGH A PORT, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 20200078117;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,202 titled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT UTILIZING DRIVE SIGNAL TO POWER SECONDARY FUNCTION, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078082;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,142, titled METHOD FOR    ENERGY DISTRIBUTION IN A SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078070;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,169, titled SURGICAL MODULAR    ENERGY SYSTEM WITH A SEGMENTED BACKPLANE, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2020/0078112;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,185, titled SURGICAL MODULAR    ENERGY SYSTEM WITH FOOTER MODULE, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2020/0078115;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,203, titled POWER AND    COMMUNICATION MITIGATION ARRANGEMENT FOR MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY    SYSTEM, now-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078118;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,212, titled MODULAR SURGICAL    ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH VOLTAGE    DETECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078119;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,234, titled MODULAR SURGICAL    ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH TIME    COUNTER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0305945;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,243, titled MODULAR SURGICAL    ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS WITH DIGITAL LOGIC,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078120; U.S.    patent application Ser. No. 16/562,125, titled METHOD FOR    COMMUNICATING BETWEEN MODULES AND DEVICES IN A MODULAR SURGICAL    SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0100825;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,137, titled FLEXIBLE    HAND-SWITCH CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2020/0106220;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,143, titled FIRST AND SECOND    COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ARRANGEMENT FOR DRIVING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY    DEVICES THROUGH A SINGLE PORT, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2020/0090808;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,148, titled FLEXIBLE NEUTRAL    ELECTRODE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078077;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,154, titled SMART RETURN PAD    SENSING THROUGH MODULATION OF NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION AND CONTACT    QUALITY MONITORING SIGNALS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication    No. 2020/0078089;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,162, titled AUTOMATIC    ULTRASONIC ENERGY ACTIVATION CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR MODULAR SURGICAL    SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0305924;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,167, titled COORDINATED    ENERGY OUTPUTS OF SEPARATE BUT CONNECTED MODULES, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2020/0078078;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,170, titled MANAGING    SIMULTANEOUS MONOPOLAR OUTPUTS USING DUTY CYCLE AND SYNCHRONIZATION,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078079;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,172, titled PORT PRESENCE    DETECTION SYSTEM FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2020/0078113;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,175, titled INSTRUMENT    TRACKING ARRANGEMENT BASED ON REAL TIME CLOCK INFORMATION, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078071;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/562,177, titled REGIONAL    LOCATION TRACKING OF COMPONENTS OF A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0078114;-   U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/704,610, titled ENERGY    MODULE;-   U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/704,614, titled ENERGY    MODULE MONOPOLAR PORT WITH FOURTH SOCKET AMONG THREE OTHER SOCKETS;-   U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/704,616, titled    BACKPLANE CONNECTOR FOR ENERGY MODULE; and-   U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/704,617, titled ALERT    SCREEN FOR ENERGY MODULE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentProvisional Applications filed Mar. 29, 2019, the disclosure of each ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/826,584, titled    MODULAR SURGICAL PLATFORM ELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURE;-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/826,587, titled    MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM CONNECTIVITY;-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/826,588, titled    MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM INSTRUMENT COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES; and-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/826,592, titled    MODULAR ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentProvisional Application filed Sep. 7, 2018, the disclosure of each ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/728,480, titled    MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM AND USER INTERFACE.

Before explaining various aspects of surgical devices and generators indetail, it should be noted that the illustrative examples are notlimited in application or use to the details of construction andarrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings anddescription. The illustrative examples may be implemented orincorporated in other aspects, variations and modifications, and may bepracticed or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwiseindicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosenfor the purpose of describing the illustrative examples for theconvenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limitationthereof. Also, it will be appreciated that one or more of thefollowing-described aspects, expressions of aspects, and/or examples,can be combined with any one or more of the other following-describedaspects, expressions of aspects and/or examples.

Various aspects are directed to improved ultrasonic surgical devices,electrosurgical devices and generators for use therewith. Aspects of theultrasonic surgical devices can be configured for transecting and/orcoagulating tissue during surgical procedures, for example. Aspects ofthe electrosurgical devices can be configured for transecting,coagulating, scaling, welding and/or desiccating tissue during surgicalprocedures, for example.

Surgical System Hardware

Referring to FIG. 1, a computer-implemented interactive surgical system100 includes one or more surgical systems 102 and a cloud-based system(e.g., the cloud 104 that may include a remote server 113 coupled to astorage device 105). Each surgical system 102 includes at least onesurgical hub 106 in communication with the cloud 104 that may include aremote server 113. In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, thesurgical system 102 includes a visualization system 108, a roboticsystem 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112, whichare configured to communicate with one another and/or the hub 106. Insome aspects, a surgical system 102 may include an M number of hubs 106,an N number of visualization systems 108, an O number of robotic systems110, and a P number of handheld intelligent surgical instruments 112,where M, N, O, and P are integers greater than or equal to one.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of a surgical system 102 being used to performa surgical procedure on a patient who is lying down on an operatingtable 114 in a surgical operating room 116. A robotic system 110 is usedin the surgical procedure as a part of the surgical system 102. Therobotic system 110 includes a surgeon's console 118, a patient side cart120 (surgical robot), and a surgical robotic hub 122. The patient sidecart 120 can manipulate at least one removably coupled surgical tool 117through a minimally invasive incision in the body of the patient whilethe surgeon views the surgical site through the surgeon's console 118.An image of the surgical site can be obtained by a medical imagingdevice 124, which can be manipulated by the patient side cart 120 toorient the imaging device 124. The robotic hub 122 can be used toprocess the images of the surgical site for subsequent display to thesurgeon through the surgeon's console 118.

Other types of robotic systems can be readily adapted for use with thesurgical system 102. Various examples of robotic systems and surgicaltools that are suitable for use with the present disclosure aredescribed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/611,339,titled ROBOT ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORM, filed Dec. 28, 2017, thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Various examples of cloud-based analytics that are performed by thecloud 104, and are suitable for use with the present disclosure, aredescribed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/611,340,titled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS, filed Dec. 28, 2017, thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In various aspects, the imaging device 124 includes at least one imagesensor and one or more optical components. Suitable image sensorsinclude, but are not limited to, Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) sensors andComplementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.

The optical components of the imaging device 124 may include one or moreillumination sources and/or one or more lenses. The one or moreillumination sources may be directed to illuminate portions of thesurgical field. The one or more image sensors may receive lightreflected or refracted from the surgical field, including lightreflected or refracted from tissue and/or surgical instruments.

The one or more illumination sources may be configured to radiateelectromagnetic energy in the visible spectrum as well as the invisiblespectrum. The visible spectrum, sometimes referred to as the opticalspectrum or luminous spectrum, is that portion of the electromagneticspectrum that is visible to (i.e., can be detected by) the human eye andmay be referred to as visible light or simply light. A typical human eyewill respond to wavelengths in air that are from about 380 nm to about750 nm.

The invisible spectrum (i.e., the non-luminous spectrum) is that portionof the electromagnetic spectrum that lies below and above the visiblespectrum (i.e., wavelengths below about 380 nm and above about 750 nm).The invisible spectrum is not detectable by the human eye. Wavelengthsgreater than about 750 nm are longer than the red visible spectrum, andthey become invisible infrared (IR), microwave, and radioelectromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths less than about 380 nm areshorter than the violet spectrum, and they become invisible ultraviolet,x-ray, and gamma ray electromagnetic radiation.

In various aspects, the imaging device 124 is configured for use in aminimally invasive procedure. Examples of imaging devices suitable foruse with the present disclosure include, but not limited to, anarthroscope, angioscope, bronchoscope, choledochoscope, colonoscope,cytoscope, duodenoscope, enteroscope, esophagogastro-duodenoscope(gastroscope), endoscope, laryngoscope, nasopharyngo-neproscope,sigmoidoscope, thoracoscope, and ureteroscope.

In one aspect, the imaging device employs multi-spectrum monitoring todiscriminate topography and underlying structures. A multi-spectralimage is one that captures image data within specific wavelength rangesacross the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelengths may be separated byfilters or by the use of instruments that are sensitive to particularwavelengths, including light from frequencies beyond the visible lightrange, e.g., IR and ultraviolet. Spectral imaging can allow extractionof additional information the human eye fails to capture with itsreceptors for red, green, and blue. The use of multi-spectral imaging isdescribed in greater detail under the heading “Advanced ImagingAcquisition Module” in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/611,341, titled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM, filed Dec. 28, 2017,the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Multi-spectrum monitoring can be a useful tool in relocating asurgical field after a surgical task is completed to perform one or moreof the previously described tests on the treated tissue.

It is axiomatic that strict sterilization of the operating room andsurgical equipment is required during any surgery. The strict hygieneand sterilization conditions required in a “surgical theater,” i.e., anoperating or treatment room, necessitate the highest possible sterilityof all medical devices and equipment. Part of that sterilization processis the need to sterilize anything that comes in contact with the patientor penetrates the sterile field, including the imaging device 124 andits attachments and components. It will be appreciated that the sterilefield may be considered a specified area, such as within a tray or on asterile towel, that is considered free of microorganisms, or the sterilefield may be considered an area, immediately around a patient, who hasbeen prepared for a surgical procedure. The sterile field may includethe scrubbed team members, who are properly attired, and all furnitureand fixtures in the area.

In various aspects, the visualization system 108 includes one or moreimaging sensors, one or more image-processing units, one or more storagearrays, and one or more displays that are strategically arranged withrespect to the sterile field, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In one aspect,the visualization system 108 includes an interface for HL7, PACS, andEMR. Various components of the visualization system 108 are describedunder the heading “Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module” in U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/611,341, titled INTERACTIVESURGICAL PLATFORM, filed Dec. 28, 2017, the disclosure of which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a primary display 119 is positioned in thesterile field to be visible to an operator at the operating table 114.In addition, a visualization tower 111 is positioned outside the sterilefield. The visualization tower 111 includes a first non-sterile display107 and a second non-sterile display 109, which face away from eachother. The visualization system 108, guided by the hub 106, isconfigured to utilize the displays 107, 109, and 119 to coordinateinformation flow to operators inside and outside the sterile field. Forexample, the hub 106 may cause the visualization system 108 to display asnapshot of a surgical site, as recorded by an imaging device 124, on anon-sterile display 107 or 109, while maintaining a live feed of thesurgical site on the primary display 119. The snapshot on thenon-sterile display 107 or 109 can permit a non-sterile operator toperform a diagnostic step relevant to the surgical procedure, forexample.

In one aspect, the hub 106 is also configured to route a diagnosticinput or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualizationtower 111 to the primary display 119 within the sterile field, where itcan be viewed by a sterile operator at the operating table. In oneexample, the input can be in the form of a modification to the snapshotdisplayed on the non-sterile display 107 or 109, which can be routed tothe primary display 119 by the hub 106.

Referring to FIG. 2, a surgical instrument 112 is being used in thesurgical procedure as part of the surgical system 102. The hub 106 isalso configured to coordinate information flow to a display of thesurgical instrument 112. For example, in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/611,341, titled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM,filed Dec. 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. A diagnostic input or feedback entered by anon-sterile operator at the visualization tower 111 can be routed by thehub 106 to the surgical instrument display 115 within the sterile field,where it can be viewed by the operator of the surgical instrument 112.Example surgical instruments that are suitable for use with the surgicalsystem 102 are described under the heading SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HARDWAREand in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/611,341, titledINTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM, filed Dec. 28, 2017, the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a hub 106 is depicted in communication with avisualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheldintelligent surgical instrument 112. In some aspects, the visualizationsystem 108 may be a separable piece of equipment. In alternativeaspects, the visualization system 108 could be contained within the hub106 as a functional module. The hub 106 includes a hub display 135, animaging module 138, a generator module 140, a communication module 130,a processor module 132, a storage array 134, and an operating roommapping module 133. In certain aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 3, thehub 106 further includes a smoke evacuation module 126, asuction/irrigation module 128, and/or an insufflation module 129. Incertain aspects, any of the modules in the hub 106 may be combined witheach other into a single module.

During a surgical procedure, energy application to tissue, for sealingand/or cutting, is generally associated with smoke evacuation, suctionof excess fluid, and/or irrigation of the tissue. Fluid, power, and/ordata lines from different sources are often entangled during thesurgical procedure. Valuable time can be lost addressing this issueduring a surgical procedure. Detangling the lines may necessitatedisconnecting the lines from their respective modules, which may requireresetting the modules. The hub modular enclosure 136 offers a unifiedenvironment for managing the power, data, and fluid lines, which reducesthe frequency of entanglement between such lines.

Aspects of the present disclosure present a surgical hub for use in asurgical procedure that involves energy application to tissue at asurgical site. The surgical hub includes a hub enclosure and a combogenerator module slidably receivable in a docking station of the hubenclosure. The docking station includes data and power contacts. Thecombo generator module includes one or more of an ultrasonic energygenerator component, a bipolar RF energy generator component, and amonopolar RF energy generator component that are housed in a singleunit. In one aspect, the combo generator module also includes a smokeevacuation component, at least one energy delivery cable for connectingthe combo generator module to a surgical instrument, at least one smokeevacuation component configured to evacuate smoke, fluid, and/orparticulates generated by the application of therapeutic energy to thetissue, and a fluid line extending from the remote surgical site to thesmoke evacuation component.

In one aspect, the fluid line is a first fluid line and a second fluidline extends from the remote surgical site to a suction and irrigationmodule slidably received in the hub enclosure. In one aspect, the hubenclosure comprises a fluid interface.

Certain surgical procedures may require the application of more than oneenergy type to the tissue. One energy type may be more beneficial forcutting the tissue, while another different energy type may be morebeneficial for sealing the tissue. For example, a bipolar generator canbe used to seal the tissue while an ultrasonic generator can be used tocut the sealed tissue. Aspects of the present disclosure present asolution where a hub modular enclosure 136 is configured to accommodatedifferent generators, and facilitate an interactive communicationtherebetween. One of the advantages of the hub modular enclosure 136 isenabling the quick removal and/or replacement of various modules.

Aspects of the present disclosure present a modular surgical enclosurefor use in a surgical procedure that involves energy application totissue. The modular surgical enclosure includes a first energy-generatormodule, configured to generate a first energy for application to thetissue, and a first docking station comprising a first docking port thatincludes first data and power contacts. In one aspect, the firstenergy-generator module is slidably movable into an electricalengagement with the power and data contacts and wherein the firstenergy-generator module is slidably movable out of the electricalengagement with the first power and data contacts. In an alternativeaspect, the first energy-generator module is stackably movable into anelectrical engagement with the power and data contacts and wherein thefirst energy-generator module is stackably movable out of the electricalengagement with the first power and data contacts.

Further to the above, the modular surgical enclosure also includes asecond energy-generator module configured to generate a second energy,either the same or different than the first energy, for application tothe tissue, and a second docking station comprising a second dockingport that includes second data and power contacts. In one aspect, thesecond energy-generator module is slidably movable into an electricalengagement with the power and data contacts, and wherein the secondenergy-generator module is slidably movable out of the electricalengagement with the second power and data contacts. In an alternativeaspect, the second energy-generator module is stackably movable into anelectrical engagement with the power and data contacts, and wherein thesecond energy-generator module is stackably movable out of theelectrical engagement with the second power and data contacts.

In addition, the modular surgical enclosure also includes acommunication bus between the first docking port and the second dockingport, configured to facilitate communication between the firstenergy-generator module and the second energy-generator module.

Referring to FIG. 3, aspects of the present disclosure are presented fora hub modular enclosure 136 that allows the modular integration of agenerator module 140, a smoke evacuation module 126, asuction/irrigation module 128, and an insufflation module 129. The hubmodular enclosure 136 further facilitates interactive communicationbetween the modules 140, 126, 128, 129. The generator module 140 can bea generator module with integrated monopolar, bipolar, and ultrasoniccomponents supported in a single housing unit slidably insertable intothe hub modular enclosure 136. The generator module 140 can beconfigured to connect to a monopolar device 142, a bipolar device 144,and an ultrasonic device 148. Alternatively, the generator module 140may comprise a series of monopolar, bipolar, and/or ultrasonic generatormodules that interact through the hub modular enclosure 136. The hubmodular enclosure 136 can be configured to facilitate the insertion ofmultiple generators and interactive communication between the generatorsdocked into the hub modular enclosure 136 so that the generators wouldact as a single generator.

In one aspect, the hub modular enclosure 136 comprises a modular powerand communication backplane 149 with external and wireless communicationheaders to enable the removable attachment of the modules 140, 126, 128,129 and interactive communication therebetween.

Generator Hardware

As used throughout this description, the term “wireless” and itsderivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods,techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate datathrough the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through anon-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices donot contain any wires, although in some aspects they might not. Thecommunication module may implement any of a number of wireless or wiredcommunication standards or protocols, including but not limited to Wi-Fi(IEEE 802.11 family), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 family), IEEE 802.20, long termevolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA,TDMA, DECT, Bluetooth, Ethernet derivatives thereof, as well as anyother wireless and wired protocols that are designated as 3G, 4G, 5G,and beyond. The computing module may include a plurality ofcommunication modules. For instance, a first communication module may bededicated to shorter range wireless communications such as Wi-Fi andBluetooth and a second communication module may be dedicated to longerrange wireless communications such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE,Ev-DO, and others.

As used herein a processor or processing unit is an electronic circuitwhich performs operations on some external data source, usually memoryor some other data stream. The term is used herein to refer to thecentral processor (central processing unit) in a system or computersystems (especially systems on a chip (SoCs)) that combine a number ofspecialized “processors.”

As used herein, a system on a chip or system on chip (SoC or SOC) is anintegrated circuit (also known as an “IC” or “chip”) that integrates allcomponents of a computer or other electronic systems. It may containdigital, analog, mixed-signal, and often radio-frequency functions—allon a single substrate. A SoC integrates a microcontroller (ormicroprocessor) with advanced peripherals like graphics processing unit(GPU), Wi-Fi module, or coprocessor. A SoC may or may not containbuilt-in memory.

As used herein, a microcontroller or controller is a system thatintegrates a microprocessor with peripheral circuits and memory. Amicrocontroller (or MCU for microcontroller unit) may be implemented asa small computer on a single integrated circuit. It may be similar to aSoC; a SoC may include a microcontroller as one of its components. Amicrocontroller may contain one or more core processing units (CPUs)along with memory and programmable input/output peripherals. Programmemory in the form of Ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash or OTP ROM is alsooften included on chip, as well as a small amount of RAM.Microcontrollers may be employed for embedded applications, in contrastto the microprocessors used in personal computers or other generalpurpose applications consisting of various discrete chips.

As used herein, the term controller or microcontroller may be astand-alone IC or chip device that interfaces with a peripheral device.This may be a link between two parts of a computer or a controller on anexternal device that manages the operation of (and connection with) thatdevice.

Any of the processors or microcontrollers described herein, may beimplemented by any single core or multicore processor such as thoseknown under the trade name ARM Cortex by Texas Instruments. In oneaspect, the processor may be an LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F ProcessorCore, available from Texas Instruments, for example, comprising on-chipmemory of 256 KB single-cycle flash memory, or other non-volatilememory, up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer to improve performance above 40MHz, a 32 KB single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internalread-only memory (ROM) loaded with StellarisWare® software, 2 KBelectrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), one ormore pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more quadratureencoder inputs (QEI) analog, one or more 12-bit Analog-to-DigitalConverters (ADC) with 12 analog input channels, details of which areavailable for the product datasheet.

In one aspect, the processor may comprise a safety controller comprisingtwo controller-based families such as TMS570 and RM4x known under thetrade name Hercules ARM Cortex R4, also by Texas Instruments. The safetycontroller may be configured specifically for IEC 61508 and ISO 26262safety critical applications, among others, to provide advancedintegrated safety features while delivering scalable performance,connectivity, and memory options.

Modular devices include the modules (as described in connection withFIG. 3, for example) that are receivable within a surgical hub and thesurgical devices or instruments that can be connected to the variousmodules in order to connect or pair with the corresponding surgical hub.The modular devices include, for example, intelligent surgicalinstruments, medical imaging devices, suction/irrigation devices, smokeevacuators, energy generators, ventilators, insufflators, and displays.The modular devices described herein can be controlled by controlalgorithms. The control algorithms can be executed on the modular deviceitself, on the surgical hub to which the particular modular device ispaired, or on both the modular device and the surgical hub (e.g., via adistributed computing architecture). In some exemplifications, themodular devices' control algorithms control the devices based on datasensed by the modular device itself (i.e., by sensors in, on, orconnected to the modular device). This data can be related to thepatient being operated on (e.g., tissue properties or insufflationpressure) or the modular device itself (e.g., the rate at which a knifeis being advanced, motor current, or energy levels). For example, acontrol algorithm for a surgical stapling and cutting instrument cancontrol the rate at which the instrument's motor drives its knifethrough tissue according to resistance encountered by the knife as itadvances.

FIG. 4 illustrates one form of a surgical system 2200 comprising amodular energy system 2000 and various surgical instruments 2204, 2206,2208 usable therewith, where the surgical instrument 2204 is anultrasonic surgical instrument, the surgical instrument 2206 is an RFelectrosurgical instrument, and the multifunction surgical instrument2208 is a combination ultrasonic/RF electrosurgical instrument. Themodular energy system 2000 is configurable for use with a variety ofsurgical instruments. According to various forms, the modular energysystem 2000 may be configurable for use with different surgicalinstruments of different types including, for example, ultrasonicsurgical instruments 2204, RF electrosurgical instruments 2206, andmultifunction surgical instruments 2208 that integrate RF and ultrasonicenergies delivered individually or simultaneously from the modularenergy system 2000. Although in the form of FIG. 4 the modular energysystem 2000 is shown separate from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206,2208 in one form, the modular energy system 2000 may be formedintegrally with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208 to forma unitary surgical system. The modular energy system 2000 may beconfigured for wired or wireless communication.

The modular energy system 2000 is configured to drive multiple surgicalinstruments 2204, 2206, 2208. The first surgical instrument is anultrasonic surgical instrument 2204 and comprises a handpiece 2205 (HP),an ultrasonic transducer 2220, a shaft 2226, and an end effector 2222.The end effector 2222 comprises an ultrasonic blade 2228 acousticallycoupled to the ultrasonic transducer 2220 and a clamp arm 2240. Thehandpiece 2205 comprises a trigger 2243 to operate the clamp arm 2240and a combination of the toggle buttons 2234 a, 2234 b, 2234 c toenergize and drive the ultrasonic blade 2228 or other function. Thetoggle buttons 2234 a, 2234 b, 2234 c can be configured to energize theultrasonic transducer 2220 with the modular energy system 2000.

The modular energy system 2000 also is configured to drive a secondsurgical instrument 2206. The second surgical instrument 2206 is an RFelectrosurgical instrument and comprises a handpiece 2207 (HP), a shaft2227, and an end effector 2224. The end effector 2224 compriseselectrodes in clamp arms 2242 a, 2242 b and return through an electricalconductor portion of the shaft 2227. The electrodes are coupled to andenergized by a bipolar energy source within the modular energy system2000. The handpiece 2207 comprises a trigger 2245 to operate the clamparms 2242 a, 2242 b and an energy button 2235 to actuate an energyswitch to energize the electrodes in the end effector 2224.

The modular energy system 2000 also is configured to drive amultifunction surgical instrument 2208. The multifunction surgicalinstrument 2208 comprises a handpiece 2209 (HP), a shaft 2229, and anend effector 2225. The end effector 2225 comprises an ultrasonic blade2249 and a clamp arm 2246. The ultrasonic blade 2249 is acousticallycoupled to the ultrasonic transducer 2220. The ultrasonic transducer2220 may be separable from or integral to the handpiece 2209. Thehandpiece 2209 comprises a trigger 2247 to operate the clamp arm 2246and a combination of the toggle buttons 2237 a, 2237 b, 2237 c toenergize and drive the ultrasonic blade 2249 or other function. Thetoggle buttons 2237 a, 2237 b, 2237 c can be configured to energize theultrasonic transducer 2220 with the modular energy system 2000 andenergize the ultrasonic blade 2249 with a bipolar energy source alsocontained within the modular energy system 2000.

The modular energy system 2000 is configurable for use with a variety ofsurgical instruments. According to various forms, the modular energysystem 2000 may be configurable for use with different surgicalinstruments of different types including, for example, the ultrasonicsurgical instrument 2204, the RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, andthe multifunction surgical instrument 2208 that integrates RF andultrasonic energies delivered individually or simultaneously from themodular energy system 2000. Although in the form of FIG. 4 the modularenergy system 2000 is shown separate from the surgical instruments 2204,2206, 2208, in another form the modular energy system 2000 may be formedintegrally with any one of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208 toform a unitary surgical system. Further aspects of generators fordigitally generating electrical signal waveforms and surgicalinstruments are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2017/0086914, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Situational Awareness

Although an “intelligent” device including control algorithms thatrespond to sensed data can be an improvement over a “dumb” device thatoperates without accounting for sensed data, some sensed data can beincomplete or inconclusive when considered in isolation, i.e., withoutthe context of the type of surgical procedure being performed or thetype of tissue that is being operated on. Without knowing the proceduralcontext (e.g., knowing the type of tissue being operated on or the typeof procedure being performed), the control algorithm may control themodular device incorrectly or sub optimally given the particularcontext-free sensed data. For example, the optimal manner for a controlalgorithm to control a surgical instrument in response to a particularsensed parameter can vary according to the particular tissue type beingoperated on. This is due to the fact that different tissue types havedifferent properties (e.g., resistance to tearing) and thus responddifferently to actions taken by surgical instruments. Therefore, it maybe desirable for a surgical instrument to take different actions evenwhen the same measurement for a particular parameter is sensed. As onespecific example, the optimal manner in which to control a surgicalstapling and cutting instrument in response to the instrument sensing anunexpectedly high force to close its end effector will vary dependingupon whether the tissue type is susceptible or resistant to tearing. Fortissues that are susceptible to tearing, such as lung tissue, theinstrument's control algorithm would optimally ramp down the motor inresponse to an unexpectedly high force to close to avoid tearing thetissue. For tissues that are resistant to tearing, such as stomachtissue, the instrument's control algorithm would optimally ramp up themotor in response to an unexpectedly high force to close to ensure thatthe end effector is clamped properly on the tissue. Without knowingwhether lung or stomach tissue has been clamped, the control algorithmmay make a suboptimal decision.

One solution utilizes a surgical hub including a system that isconfigured to derive information about the surgical procedure beingperformed based on data received from various data sources and thencontrol the paired modular devices accordingly. In other words, thesurgical hub is configured to infer information about the surgicalprocedure from received data and then control the modular devices pairedto the surgical hub based upon the inferred context of the surgicalprocedure. FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a situationally awaresurgical system 2300, in accordance with at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure. In some exemplifications, the data sources 2326include, for example, the modular devices 2302 (which can includesensors configured to detect parameters associated with the patientand/or the modular device itself), databases 2322 (e.g., an EMR databasecontaining patient records), and patient monitoring devices 2324 (e.g.,a blood pressure (BP) monitor and an electrocardiography (EKG) monitor).The surgical hub 2304 can be configured to derive the contextualinformation pertaining to the surgical procedure from the data basedupon, for example, the particular combination(s) of received data or theparticular order in which the data is received from the data sources2326. The contextual information inferred from the received data caninclude, for example, the type of surgical procedure being performed,the particular step of the surgical procedure that the surgeon isperforming, the type of tissue being operated on, or the body cavitythat is the subject of the procedure. This ability by some aspects ofthe surgical hub 2304 to derive or infer information related to thesurgical procedure from received data can be referred to as “situationalawareness.” In one exemplification, the surgical hub 2304 canincorporate a situational awareness system, which is the hardware and/orprogramming associated with the surgical hub 2304 that derivescontextual information pertaining to the surgical procedure from thereceived data.

The situational awareness system of the surgical hub 2304 can beconfigured to derive the contextual information from the data receivedfrom the data sources 2326 in a variety of different ways. In oneexemplification, the situational awareness system includes a patternrecognition system, or machine learning system (e.g., an artificialneural network), that has been trained on training data to correlatevarious inputs (e.g., data from databases 2322, patient monitoringdevices 2324, and/or modular devices 2302) to corresponding contextualinformation regarding a surgical procedure. In other words, a machinelearning system can be trained to accurately derive contextualinformation regarding a surgical procedure from the provided inputs. Inanother exemplification, the situational awareness system can include alookup table storing pre-characterized contextual information regardinga surgical procedure in association with one or more inputs (or rangesof inputs) corresponding to the contextual information. In response to aquery with one or more inputs, the lookup table can return thecorresponding contextual information for the situational awarenesssystem for controlling the modular devices 2302. In one exemplification,the contextual information received by the situational awareness systemof the surgical hub 2304 is associated with a particular controladjustment or set of control adjustments for one or more modular devices2302. In another exemplification, the situational awareness systemincludes a further machine learning system, lookup table, or other suchsystem, which generates or retrieves one or more control adjustments forone or more modular devices 2302 when provided the contextualinformation as input.

A surgical hub 2304 incorporating a situational awareness systemprovides a number of benefits for the surgical system 2300. One benefitincludes improving the interpretation of sensed and collected data,which would in turn improve the processing accuracy and/or the usage ofthe data during the course of a surgical procedure. To return to aprevious example, a situationally aware surgical hub 2304 coulddetermine what type of tissue was being operated on; therefore, when anunexpectedly high force to close the surgical instrument's end effectoris detected, the situationally aware surgical hub 2304 could correctlyramp up or ramp down the motor of the surgical instrument for the typeof tissue.

As another example, the type of tissue being operated can affect theadjustments that are made to the compression rate and load thresholds ofa surgical stapling and cutting instrument for a particular tissue gapmeasurement. A situationally aware surgical hub 2304 could infer whethera surgical procedure being performed is a thoracic or an abdominalprocedure, allowing the surgical hub 2304 to determine whether thetissue clamped by an end effector of the surgical stapling and cuttinginstrument is lung (for a thoracic procedure) or stomach (for anabdominal procedure) tissue. The surgical hub 2304 could then adjust thecompression rate and load thresholds of the surgical stapling andcutting instrument appropriately for the type of tissue.

As yet another example, the type of body cavity being operated in duringan insufflation procedure can affect the function of a smoke evacuator.A situationally aware surgical hub 2304 could determine whether thesurgical site is under pressure (by determining that the surgicalprocedure is utilizing insufflation) and determine the procedure type.As a procedure type is generally performed in a specific body cavity,the surgical hub 2304 could then control the motor rate of the smokeevacuator appropriately for the body cavity being operated in. Thus, asituationally aware surgical hub 2304 could provide a consistent amountof smoke evacuation for both thoracic and abdominal procedures.

As yet another example, the type of procedure being performed can affectthe optimal energy level at which an ultrasonic surgical instrument orradio frequency (RF) electrosurgical instrument operates. Arthroscopicprocedures, for example, require higher energy levels because the endeffector of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgicalinstrument is immersed in fluid. A situationally aware surgical hub 2304could determine whether the surgical procedure is an arthroscopicprocedure. The surgical hub 2304 could then adjust the RF power level orthe ultrasonic amplitude of the generator (i.e., “energy level”) tocompensate for the fluid filled environment. Relatedly, the type oftissue being operated on can affect the optimal energy level for anultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument tooperate at. A situationally aware surgical hub 2304 could determine whattype of surgical procedure is being performed and then customize theenergy level for the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RFelectrosurgical instrument, respectively, according to the expectedtissue profile for the surgical procedure. Furthermore, a situationallyaware surgical hub 2304 can be configured to adjust the energy level forthe ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrumentthroughout the course of a surgical procedure, rather than just on aprocedure-by-procedure basis. A situationally aware surgical hub 2304could determine what step of the surgical procedure is being performedor will subsequently be performed and then update the control algorithmsfor the generator and/or ultrasonic surgical instrument or RFelectrosurgical instrument to set the energy level at a valueappropriate for the expected tissue type according to the surgicalprocedure step.

As yet another example, data can be drawn from additional data sources2326 to improve the conclusions that the surgical hub 2304 draws fromone data source 2326. A situationally aware surgical hub 2304 couldaugment data that it receives from the modular devices 2302 withcontextual information that it has built up regarding the surgicalprocedure from other data sources 2326. For example, a situationallyaware surgical hub 2304 can be configured to determine whetherhemostasis has occurred (i.e., whether bleeding at a surgical site hasstopped) according to video or image data received from a medicalimaging device. However, in some cases the video or image data can beinconclusive. Therefore, in one exemplification, the surgical hub 2304can be further configured to compare a physiologic measurement (e.g.,blood pressure sensed by a BP monitor communicably connected to thesurgical hub 2304) with the visual or image data of hemostasis (e.g.,from a medical imaging device 124 (FIG. 2) communicably coupled to thesurgical hub 2304) to make a determination on the integrity of thestaple line or tissue weld. In other words, the situational awarenesssystem of the surgical hub 2304 can consider the physiologicalmeasurement data to provide additional context in analyzing thevisualization data. The additional context can be useful when thevisualization data may be inconclusive or incomplete on its own.

Another benefit includes proactively and automatically controlling thepaired modular devices 2302 according to the particular step of thesurgical procedure that is being performed to reduce the number of timesthat medical personnel are required to interact with or control thesurgical system 2300 during the course of a surgical procedure. Forexample, a situationally aware surgical hub 2304 could proactivelyactivate the generator to which an RF electrosurgical instrument isconnected if it determines that a subsequent step of the procedurerequires the use of the instrument. Proactively activating the energysource allows the instrument to be ready for use a soon as the precedingstep of the procedure is completed.

As another example, a situationally aware surgical hub 2304 coulddetermine whether the current or subsequent step of the surgicalprocedure requires a different view or degree of magnification on thedisplay according to the feature(s) at the surgical site that thesurgeon is expected to need to view. The surgical hub 2304 could thenproactively change the displayed view (supplied by, e.g., a medicalimaging device for the visualization system 108) accordingly so that thedisplay automatically adjusts throughout the surgical procedure.

As yet another example, a situationally aware surgical hub 2304 coulddetermine which step of the surgical procedure is being performed orwill subsequently be performed and whether particular data orcomparisons between data will be required for that step of the surgicalprocedure. The surgical hub 2304 can be configured to automatically callup data screens based upon the step of the surgical procedure beingperformed, without waiting for the surgeon to ask for the particularinformation.

Another benefit includes checking for errors during the setup of thesurgical procedure or during the course of the surgical procedure. Forexample, a situationally aware surgical hub 2304 could determine whetherthe operating theater is setup properly or optimally for the surgicalprocedure to be performed. The surgical hub 2304 can be configured todetermine the type of surgical procedure being performed, retrieve thecorresponding checklists, product location, or setup needs (e.g., from amemory), and then compare the current operating theater layout to thestandard layout for the type of surgical procedure that the surgical hub2304 determines is being performed. In one exemplification, the surgicalhub 2304 can be configured to compare the list of items for theprocedure (scanned by a scanner, for example) and/or a list of devicespaired with the surgical hub 2304 to a recommended or anticipatedmanifest of items and/or devices for the given surgical procedure. Ifthere are any discontinuities between the lists, the surgical hub 2304can be configured to provide an alert indicating that a particularmodular device 2302, patient monitoring device 2324, and/or othersurgical item is missing. In one exemplification, the surgical hub 2304can be configured to determine the relative distance or position of themodular devices 2302 and patient monitoring devices 2324 via proximitysensors, for example. The surgical hub 2304 can compare the relativepositions of the devices to a recommended or anticipated layout for theparticular surgical procedure. If there are any discontinuities betweenthe layouts, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to provide an alertindicating that the current layout for the surgical procedure deviatesfrom the recommended layout.

As another example, a situationally aware surgical hub 2304 coulddetermine whether the surgeon (or other medical personnel) was making anerror or otherwise deviating from the expected course of action duringthe course of a surgical procedure. For example, the surgical hub 2304can be configured to determine the type of surgical procedure beingperformed, retrieve the corresponding list of steps or order ofequipment usage (e.g., from a memory), and then compare the steps beingperformed or the equipment being used during the course of the surgicalprocedure to the expected steps or equipment for the type of surgicalprocedure that the surgical hub 2304 determined is being performed. Inone exemplification, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to providean alert indicating that an unexpected action is being performed or anunexpected device is being utilized at the particular step in thesurgical procedure.

Overall, the situational awareness system for the surgical hub 2304improves surgical procedure outcomes by adjusting the surgicalinstruments (and other modular devices 2302) for the particular contextof each surgical procedure (such as adjusting to different tissue types)and validating actions during a surgical procedure. The situationalawareness system also improves surgeons' efficiency in performingsurgical procedures by automatically suggesting next steps, providingdata, and adjusting displays and other modular devices 2302 in thesurgical theater according to the specific context of the procedure.

Modular Energy System

ORs everywhere in the world are a tangled web of cords, devices, andpeople due to the amount of equipment required to perform surgicalprocedures. Surgical capital equipment tends to be a major contributorto this issue because most surgical capital equipment performs a single,specialized task. Due to their specialized nature and the surgeons'needs to utilize multiple different types of devices during the courseof a single surgical procedure, an OR may be forced to be stocked withtwo or even more pieces of surgical capital equipment, such as energygenerators. Each of these pieces of surgical capital equipment must beindividually plugged into a power source and may be connected to one ormore other devices that are being passed between OR personnel, creatinga tangle of cords that must be navigated. Another issue faced in modernORs is that each of these specialized pieces of surgical capitalequipment has its own user interface and must be independentlycontrolled from the other pieces of equipment within the OR. Thiscreates complexity in properly controlling multiple different devices inconnection with each other and forces users to be trained on andmemorize different types of user interfaces (which may further changebased upon the task or surgical procedure being performed, in additionto changing between each piece of capital equipment). This cumbersome,complex process can necessitate the need for even more individuals to bepresent within the OR and can create danger if multiple devices are notproperly controlled in tandem with each other. Therefore, consolidatingsurgical capital equipment technology into singular systems that areable to flexibly address surgeons' needs to reduce the footprint ofsurgical capital equipment within ORs would simplify the userexperience, reduce the amount of clutter in ORs, and preventdifficulties and dangers associated with simultaneously controllingmultiple pieces of capital equipment. Further, making such systemsexpandable or customizable would allow for new technology to beconveniently incorporated into existing surgical systems, obviating theneed to replace entire surgical systems or for OR personnel to learn newuser interfaces or equipment controls with each new technology.

As described in FIGS. 1-3, a surgical hub 106 can be configured tointerchangeably receive a variety of modules, which can in turninterface with surgical devices (e.g., a surgical instrument or a smokeevacuator) or provide various other functions (e.g., communications). Inone aspect, a surgical hub 106 can be embodied as a modular energysystem 2000, which is illustrated in connection with FIGS. 6-12. Themodular energy system 2000 can include a variety of different modules2001 that are connectable together in a stacked configuration. In oneaspect, the modules 2001 can be both physically and communicably coupledtogether when stacked or otherwise connected together into a singularassembly. Further, the modules 2001 can be interchangeably connectabletogether in different combinations or arrangements. In one aspect, eachof the modules 2001 can include a consistent or universal array ofconnectors disposed along their upper and lower surfaces, therebyallowing any module 2001 to be connected to another module 2001 in anyarrangement (except that, in some aspects, a particular module type,such as the header module 2002, can be configured to serve as theuppermost module within the stack, for example). In an alternativeaspect, the modular energy system 2000 can include a housing that isconfigured to receive and retain the modules 2001, as is shown in FIG.3. The modular energy system 2000 can also include a variety ofdifferent components or accessories that are also connectable to orotherwise associatable with the modules 2001. In another aspect, themodular energy system 2000 can be embodied as a generator module 140(FIG. 3) of a surgical hub 106. In yet another aspect, the modularenergy system 2000 can be a distinct system from a surgical hub 106. Insuch aspects, the modular energy system 2000 can be communicablycouplable to a surgical hub 206 for transmitting and/or receiving datatherebetween.

The modular energy system 2000 can be assembled from a variety ofdifferent modules 2001, some examples of which are illustrated in FIG.6. Each of the different types of modules 2001 can provide differentfunctionality, thereby allowing the modular energy system 2000 to beassembled into different configurations to customize the functions andcapabilities of the modular energy system 2000 by customizing themodules 2001 that are included in each modular energy system 2000. Themodules 2001 of the modular energy system 2000 can include, for example,a header module 2002 (which can include a display screen 2006), anenergy module 2004, a technology module 2040, and a visualization module2042. In the depicted aspect, the header module 2002 is configured toserve as the top or uppermost module within the modular energy systemstack and can thus lack connectors along its top surface. In anotheraspect, the header module 2002 can be configured to be positioned at thebottom or the lowermost module within the modular energy system stackand can thus lack connectors along its bottom surface. In yet anotheraspect, the header module 2002 can be configured to be positioned at anintermediate position within the modular energy system stack and canthus include connectors along both its bottom and top surfaces. Theheader module 2002 can be configured to control the system-wide settingsof each module 2001 and component connected thereto through physicalcontrols 2011 thereon and/or a graphical user interface (GUI) 2008rendered on the display screen 2006. Such settings could include theactivation of the modular energy system 2000, the volume of alerts, thefootswitch settings, the settings icons, the appearance or configurationof the user interface, the surgeon profile logged into the modularenergy system 2000, and/or the type of surgical procedure beingperformed. The header module 2002 can also be configured to providecommunications, processing, and/or power for the modules 2001 that areconnected to the header module 2002. The energy module 2004, which canalso be referred to as a generator module 140 (FIG. 3), can beconfigured to generate one or multiple energy modalities for drivingelectrosurgical and/or ultrasonic surgical instruments connectedthereto. The technology module 2040 can be configured to provideadditional or expanded control algorithms (e.g., electrosurgical orultrasonic control algorithms for controlling the energy output of theenergy module 2004). The visualization module 2042 can be configured tointerface with visualization devices (i.e., scopes) and accordinglyprovide increased visualization capabilities.

The modular energy system 2000 can further include a variety ofaccessories 2029 that are connectable to the modules 2001 forcontrolling the functions thereof or that are otherwise configured towork on conjunction with the modular energy system 2000. The accessories2029 can include, for example, a single-pedal footswitch 2032, adual-pedal footswitch 2034, and a cart 2030 for supporting the modularenergy system 2000 thereon. The footswitches 2032,2034 can be configuredto control the activation or function of particular energy modalitiesoutput by the energy module 2004, for example.

By utilizing modular components, the depicted modular energy system 2000provides a surgical platform that grows with the availability oftechnology and is customizable to the needs of the facility and/orsurgeons. Further, the modular energy system 2000 supports combo devices(e.g., dual electrosurgical and ultrasonic energy generators) andsupports software-driven algorithms for customized tissue effects. Stillfurther, the surgical system architecture reduces the capital footprintby combining multiple technologies critical for surgery into a singlesystem.

The various modular components utilizable in connection with the modularenergy system 2000 can include monopolar energy generators, bipolarenergy generators, dual electrosurgical/ultrasonic energy generators,display screens, and various other modules and/or other components, someof which are also described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, the header module 2002 can, in some aspects,include a display screen 2006 that renders a GUI 2008 for relayinginformation regarding the modules 2001 connected to the header module2002. In some aspects, the GUI 2008 of the display screen 2006 canprovide a consolidated point of control of all of the modules 2001making up the particular configuration of the modular energy system2000. Various aspects of the GUI 2008 are discussed in fuller detailbelow in connection with FIG. 12. In alternative aspects, the headermodule 2002 can lack the display screen 2006 or the display screen 2006can be detachably connected to the housing 2010 of the header module2002. In such aspects, the header module 2002 can be communicablycouplable to an external system that is configured to display theinformation generated by the modules 2001 of the modular energy system2000. For example, in robotic surgical applications, the modular energysystem 2000 can be communicably couplable to a robotic cart or roboticcontrol console, which is configured to display the informationgenerated by the modular energy system 2000 to the operator of therobotic surgical system. As another example, the modular energy system2000 can be communicably couplable to a mobile display that can becarried or secured to a surgical staff member for viewing thereby. Inyet another example, the modular energy system 2000 can be communicablycouplable to a surgical hub 2100 or another computer system that caninclude a display 2104, as is illustrated in FIG. 11. In aspectsutilizing a user interface that is separate from or otherwise distinctfrom the modular energy system 2000, the user interface can bewirelessly connectable with the modular energy system 2000 as a whole orone or more modules 2001 thereof such that the user interface candisplay information from the connected modules 2001 thereon.

Referring still to FIG. 7A, the energy module 2004 can include a portassembly 2012 including a number of different ports configured todeliver different energy modalities to corresponding surgicalinstruments that are connectable thereto. In the particular aspectillustrated in FIGS. 6-12, the port assembly 2012 includes a bipolarport 2014, a first monopolar port 2016 a, a second monopolar port 2016b, a neutral electrode port 2018 (to which a monopolar return pad isconnectable), and a combination energy port 2020. However, thisparticular combination of ports is simply provided for illustrativepurposes and alternative combinations of ports and/or energy modalitiesmay be possible for the port assembly 2012.

As noted above, the modular energy system 2000 can be assembled intodifferent configurations. Further, the different configurations of themodular energy system 2000 can also be utilizable for different surgicalprocedure types and/or different tasks. For example, FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate a first illustrative configuration of the modular energysystem 2000 including a header module 2002 (including a display screen2006) and an energy module 2004 connected together. Such a configurationcan be suitable for laparoscopic and open surgical procedures, forexample.

FIG. 8A illustrates a second illustrative configuration of the modularenergy system 2000 including a header module 2002 (including a displayscreen 2006), a first energy module 2004 a, and a second energy module2004 b connected together. By stacking two energy modules 2004 a, 2004b, the modular energy system 2000 can provide a pair of port assemblies2012 a, 2012 b for expanding the array of energy modalities deliverableby the modular energy system 2000 from the first configuration. Thesecond configuration of the modular energy system 2000 can accordinglyaccommodate more than one bipolar/monopolar electrosurgical instrument,more than two bipolar/monopolar electrosurgical instruments, and so on.Such a configuration can be suitable for particularly complexlaparoscopic and open surgical procedures. FIG. 8B illustrates a thirdillustrative configuration that is similar to the second configuration,except that the header module 2002 lacks a display screen 2006. Thisconfiguration can be suitable for robotic surgical applications ormobile display applications, as noted above.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth illustrative configuration of the modularenergy system 2000 including a header module 2002 (including a displayscreen 2006), a first energy module 2004 a, a second energy module 2004b, and a technology module 2040 connected together. Such a configurationcan be suitable for surgical applications where particularly complex orcomputation-intensive control algorithms are required. Alternatively,the technology module 2040 can be a newly released module thatsupplements or expands the capabilities of previously released modules(such as the energy module 2004).

FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth illustrative configuration of the modularenergy system 2000 including a header module 2002 (including a displayscreen 2006), a first energy module 2004 a, a second energy module 2004b, a technology module 2040, and a visualization module 2042 connectedtogether. Such a configuration can be suitable for endoscopic proceduresby providing a dedicated surgical display 2044 for relaying the videofeed from the scope coupled to the visualization module 2042. It shouldbe noted that the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 7A-11 anddescribed above are provided simply to illustrate the various conceptsof the modular energy system 2000 and should not be interpreted to limitthe modular energy system 2000 to the particular aforementionedconfigurations.

As noted above, the modular energy system 2000 can be communicablycouplable to an external system, such as a surgical hub 2100 asillustrated in FIG. 11. Such external systems can include a displayscreen 2104 for displaying a visual feed from an endoscope (or a cameraor another such visualization device) and/or data from the modularenergy system 2000. Such external systems can also include a computersystem 2102 for performing calculations or otherwise analyzing datagenerated or provided by the modular energy system 2000, controlling thefunctions or modes of the modular energy system 2000, and/or relayingdata to a cloud computing system or another computer system. Suchexternal systems could also coordinate actions between multiple modularenergy systems 2000 and/or other surgical systems (e.g., a visualizationsystem 108 and/or a robotic system 110 as described in connection withFIGS. 1 and 2).

Referring now to FIG. 12, in some aspects, the header module 2002 caninclude or support a display 2006 configured for displaying a GUI 2008,as noted above. The display screen 2006 can include a touchscreen forreceiving input from users in addition to displaying information. Thecontrols displayed on the GUI 2008 can correspond to the module(s) 2001that are connected to the header module 2002. In some aspects, differentportions or areas of the GUI 2008 can correspond to particular modules2001. For example, a first portion or area of the GUI 2008 cancorrespond to a first module and a second portion or area of the GUI2008 can correspond to a second module. As different and/or additionalmodules 2001 are connected to the modular energy system stack, the GUI2008 can adjust to accommodate the different and/or additional controlsfor each newly added module 2001 or remove controls for each module 2001that is removed. Each portion of the display corresponding to aparticular module connected to the header module 2002 can displaycontrols, data, user prompts, and/or other information corresponding tothat module. For example, in FIG. 12, a first or upper portion 2052 ofthe depicted GUI 2008 displays controls and data associated with anenergy module 2004 that is connected to the header module 2002. Inparticular, the first portion 2052 of the GUI 2008 for the energy module2004 provides first widget 2056 a corresponding to the bipolar port2014, a second widget 2056 b corresponding to the first monopolar port2016 a, a third widget 2056 c corresponding to the second monopolar port2016 b, and a fourth widget 2056 d corresponding to the combinationenergy port 2020. Each of these widgets 2056 a-d provides data relatedto its corresponding port of the port assembly 2012 and controls forcontrolling the modes and other features of the energy modalitydelivered by the energy module 2004 through the respective port of theport assembly 2012. For example, the widgets 2056 a-d can be configuredto display the power level of the surgical instrument connected to therespective port, change the operational mode of the surgical instrumentconnected to the respective port (e.g., change a surgical instrumentfrom a first power level to a second power level and/or change amonopolar surgical instrument from a “spray” mode to a “blend” mode),and so on.

In one aspect, the header module 2002 can include various physicalcontrols 2011 in addition to or in lieu of the GUI 2008. Such physicalcontrols 2011 can include, for example, a power button that controls theapplication of power to each module 2001 that is connected to the headermodule 2002 in the modular energy system 2000. Alternatively, the powerbutton can be displayed as part of the GUI 2008. Therefore, the headermodule 2002 can serve as a single point of contact and obviate the needto individually activate and deactivate each individual module 2001 fromwhich the modular energy system 2000 is constructed.

In one aspect, the header module 2002 can display still images, videos,animations, and/or information associated with the surgical modules 2001of which the modular energy system 2000 is constructed or the surgicaldevices that are communicably coupled to the modular energy system 2000.The still images and/or videos displayed by the header module 2002 canbe received from an endoscope or another visualization device that iscommunicably coupled to the modular energy system 2000. The animationsand/or information of the GUI 2008 can be overlaid on or displayedadjacent to the images or video feed.

In one aspect, the modules 2001 other than the header module 2002 can beconfigured to likewise relay information to users. For example, theenergy module 2004 can include light assemblies 2015 disposed about eachof the ports of the port assembly 2012. The light assemblies 2015 can beconfigured to relay information to the user regarding the port accordingto their color or state (e.g., flashing). For example, the lightassemblies 2015 can change from a first color to a second color when aplug is fully seated within the respective port. In one aspect, thecolor or state of the light assemblies 2015 can be controlled by theheader module 2002. For example, the header module 2002 can cause thelight assembly 2015 of each port to display a color corresponding to thecolor display for the port on the GUI 2008.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a stand-alone hub configuration of amodular energy system 3000, in accordance with at least one aspect ofthe present disclosure and FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a hubconfiguration of a modular energy system 3000 integrated with a surgicalcontrol system 3010, in accordance with at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure. As depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, the modular energysystem 3000 can be either utilized as stand-alone units or integratedwith a surgical control system 3010 that controls and/or receives datafrom one or more surgical hub units. In the examples illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14, the integrated header/UI module 3002 of the modularenergy system 3000 includes a header module and a UI module integratedtogether as a singular module. In other aspects, the header module andthe UI module can be provided as separate components that arecommunicatively coupled though a data bus 3008.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, an example of a stand-alone modular energysystem 3000 includes an integrated header module/user interface (UI)module 3002 coupled to an energy module 3004. Power and data aretransmitted between the integrated header/UI module 3002 and the energymodule 3004 through a power interface 3006 and a data interface 3008.For example, the integrated header/UI module 3002 can transmit variouscommands to the energy module 3004 through the data interface 3008. Suchcommands can be based on user inputs from the UI. As a further example,power may be transmitted to the energy module 3004 through the powerinterface 3006.

In FIG. 14, a surgical hub configuration includes a modular energysystem 3000 integrated with a control system 3010 and an interfacesystem 3022 for managing, among other things, data and powertransmission to and/or from the modular energy system 3000. The modularenergy system depicted in FIG. 14 includes an integrated headermodule/UI module 3002, a first energy module 3004, and a second energymodule 3012. In one example, a data transmission pathway is establishedbetween the system control unit 3024 of the control system 3010 and thesecond energy module 3012 through the first energy module 3004 and theheader/UI module 3002 through a data interface 3008. In addition, apower pathway extends between the integrated header/UI module 3002 andthe second energy module 3012 through the first energy module 3004through a power interface 3006. In other words, in one aspect, the firstenergy module 3004 is configured to function as a power and datainterface between the second energy module 3012 and the integratedheader/UI module 3002 through the power interface 3006 and the datainterface 3008. This arrangement allows the modular energy system 3000to expand by seamlessly connecting additional energy modules to energymodules 3004, 3012 that are already connected to the integratedheader/UI module 3002 without the need for dedicated power and energyinterfaces within the integrated header/UI module 3002.

The system control unit 3024, which may be referred to herein as acontrol circuit, control logic, microprocessor, microcontroller, logic,or FPGA, or various combinations thereof, is coupled to the systeminterface 3022 via energy interface 3026 and instrument communicationinterface 3028. The system interface 3022 is coupled to the first energymodule 3004 via a first energy interface 3014 and a first instrumentcommunication interface 3016. The system interface 3022 is coupled tothe second energy module 3012 via a second energy interface 3018 and asecond instrument communication interface 3020. As additional modules,such as additional energy modules, are stacked in the modular energysystem 3000, additional energy and communications interfaces areprovided between the system interface 3022 and the additional modules.

The energy modules 3004, 3012 are connectable to a hub and can beconfigured to generate electrosurgical energy (e.g., bipolar ormonopolar), ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof (referred toherein as an “advanced energy” module) for a variety of energy surgicalinstruments. Generally, the energy modules 3004, 3012 includehardware/software interfaces, an ultrasonic controller, an advancedenergy RF controller, bipolar RF controller, and control algorithmsexecuted by the controller that receives outputs from the controller andcontrols the operation of the various energy modules 3004, 3012accordingly. In various aspects of the present disclosure, thecontrollers described herein may be implemented as a control circuit,control logic, microprocessor, microcontroller, logic, or FPGA, orvarious combinations thereof.

In one aspect, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the modules of themodular energy system 3000 can include an optical link allowing highspeed communication (10-50 Mb/s) across the patient isolation boundary.This link would carry device communications, mitigation signals(watchdog, etc.), and low bandwidth run-time data. In some aspects, theoptical link(s) will not contain real-time sampled data, which can bedone on the non-isolated side.

In one aspect, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the modules of themodular energy system 3000 can include a multi-function circuit blockwhich can: (i) read presence resistor values via A/D and current source,(ii) communicate with legacy instruments via hand switch Q protocols,(iii) communicate with instruments via local bus 1-Wire protocols, and(iv) communicate with CAN FD-enabled surgical instruments. When asurgical instrument is properly identified by an energy generatormodule, the relevant pin functions and communications circuits areenabled, while the other unused functions are disabled or disconnected,and set to a high impedance state.

In one aspect, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the modules of themodular energy system 3000 can include a pulse/stimulation/auxiliaryamplifier. This is a flexible-use amplifier based on a full-bridgeoutput and incorporates functional isolation. This allows itsdifferential output to be referenced to any output connection on theapplied part (except, in some aspects, a monopolar active electrode).The amplifier output can be either small signal linear (pulse/stim) withwaveform drive provided by a DAC or a square wave drive at moderateoutput power for DC applications such as DC motors, illumination, FETdrive, etc. The output voltage and current are sensed with functionallyisolated voltage and current feedback to provide accurate impedance andpower measurements to the FPGA. Paired with a CAN FD-enabled instrument,this output can offer motor/motion control drive, while position orvelocity feedback is provided by the CAN FD interface for closed loopcontrol.

As described in greater detail herein, a modular energy system comprisesa header module and one or more functional or surgical modules. Invarious instances, the modular energy system is a modular energy system.In various instances, the surgical modules include energy modules,communication modules, user interface modules; however, the surgicalmodules are envisioned to be any suitable type of functional or surgicalmodule for use with the modular energy system.

Modular energy system offers many advantages in a surgical procedure, asdescribed above in connection with the modular energy systems 2000(FIGS. 6-12), 3000 (FIGS. 13-15). However, cable management andsetup/teardown time can be a significant deterrent. Various embodimentsof the present disclosure provide a modular energy system with a singlepower cable and a single power switch to control startup and shutdown ofthe entire modular energy system, which obviated the need toindividually activate and deactivate each individual module from whichthe modular energy system is constructed. Also, various embodiments ofthe present disclosure provide a modular energy system with powermanagement schemes that facilitate a safe and, in some instances,concurrent delivery of power to the modules of a modular energy system.

In various aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 15, a modular energy system6000 that is similar in many respects to the modular energy systems 2000(FIGS. 6-12), 3000 (FIGS. 13-15). For the sake of brevity, variousdetails of the modular energy system 6000, which are similar to themodular energy system 2000 and/or the modular energy system 3000, arenot repeated herein.

The modular energy system 6000 comprises a header module 6002 and an “N”number of surgical modules 6004, where “N” is an integer greater than orequal to one. In various examples, the modular energy system 6000includes a UI module such as, for example, the UI module 3030 and/or acommunication module such as, for example, the communication module3032. Furthermore, pass-through hub connectors couple individual modulesto one another in a stack configuration. In the example of FIG. 15, theheader module 6002 is coupled to a surgical module 6004 via pass-throughhub connectors 6005, 6006.

The modular energy system 6000 comprises an example power architecturethat consists of a single AC/DC power supply 6003 that provides power toall the surgical modules in the stack. The AC/DC power supply 6003 ishoused in the header module 6002, and utilizes a power backplane 6008 todistribute power to each module in the stack. The example of FIG. 15demonstrates three separate power domains on the power backplane 6008: aprimary power domain 6009, a standby power domain 6010, and an Ethernetswitch power domain 6013.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the power backplane 6008 extendsfrom the header module 6002 through a number of intermediate modules6004 to a most bottom, or farthest, module in the stack. In variousaspects, the power backplane 6008 is configured to deliver power to asurgical module 6004 through one or more other surgical modules 6004that are ahead of it in the stack. The surgical module 6004 receivingpower from the header module 6002 can be coupled to a surgicalinstrument or tool configured to deliver therapeutic energy to apatient.

The primary power domain 6009 is the primary power source for thefunctional module-specific circuits 6013, 6014, 6015 of the modules6002, 6004. It consists of a single voltage rail that is provided toevery module. In at least one example, a nominal voltage of 60V can beselected to be higher than the local rails needed by any module, so thatthe modules can exclusively implement buck regulation, which isgenerally more efficient than boost regulation.

In various embodiments, the primary power domain 6009 is controlled bythe header module 6002. In certain instances, as illustrated in FIG. 15,a local power switch 6018 is positioned on the header module 6002. Incertain instances, a remote on/off interface 6016 can be configured tocontrol a system power control 6017 on the header module 6002, forexample. In at least one example, the remote on/off interface 6016 isconfigured to transmit pulsed discrete commands (separate commands forOn and Off) and a power status telemetry signal. In various instances,the primary power domain 6009 is configured to distribute power to allthe modules in the stack configuration following a user-initiatedpower-up.

In various aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the modules of themodular energy system 6000 can be communicably coupled to the headermodule 6002 and/or to each other via a communication (Serialbus/Ethernet) interface 6040 such that data or other information isshared by and between the modules of which the modular energy system isconstructed. An Ethernet switch domain 6013 can be derived from theprimary power domain 6009, for example. The Ethernet switch power domain6013 is segregated into a separate power domain, which is configured topower Ethernet switches within each of the modules in the stackconfiguration, so that the primary communications interface 6040 willremain alive when local power to a module is removed. In at least oneexample, the primary communication interface 6040 comprises a 1000BASE-TEthernet network, where each module represents a node on the network,and each module downstream from the header module 6002 contains a 3-portEthernet switch for routing traffic to the local module or passing thedata up or downstream as appropriate.

Furthermore, in certain examples, the modular energy system 6000includes secondary, low speed, communication interface between modulesfor critical, power related functions including module power sequencingand module power status. The secondary communications interface can, forexample, be a multi-drop Local Interconnect Network (LIN), where theheader module is the master and all downstream modules are slaves.

In various aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 15, a standby power domain6010 is a separate output from the AC/DC power supply 6003 that isalways live when the supply is connected to mains power 6020. Thestandby power domain 6010 is used by all the modules in the system topower circuitry for a mitigated communications interface, and to controlthe local power to each module. Further, the standby power domain 6010is configured to provide power to circuitry that is critical in astandby mode such as, for example, on/off command detection, statusLEDs, secondary communication bus, etc.

In various aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the individual surgicalmodules 6004 lack independent power supplies and, as such, rely on theheader module 6002 to supply power in the stack configuration. Only theheader module 6002 is directly connected to the mains power 6020. Thesurgical modules 6004 lack direct connections to the mains power 6020,and can receive power only in the stack configuration. This arrangementimproves the safety of the individual surgical modules 6004, and reducesthe overall footprint of the modular energy system 6000. Thisarrangement further reduces the number of cords required for properoperation of the modular energy system 6000, which can reduce clutterand footprint in the operating room.

Accordingly, a surgical instrument connected to surgical modules 6004 ofa modular energy system 6000, in the stack configuration, receivestherapeutic energy for tissue treatment that is generated by thesurgical module 6004 from power delivered to the surgical module 6004from the AC/DC power supply 6003 of the header module 6002.

In at least one example, while a header module 6002 is assembled in astack configuration with a first surgical module 6004′, energy can flowfrom the AC/DC power supply 6003 to the first surgical module 6004′.Further, while a header module 6002 is assembled in a stackconfiguration with a first surgical module 6004′ (connected to theheader module 6002) and a second surgical module 6004″ (connected to thefirst surgical module 6004′), energy can flow from the AC/DC powersupply 6003 to the second surgical module 6004″ through the firstsurgical module 6004′.

The energy generated by the AC/DC power supply 6003 of the header module6002 is transmitted through a segmented power backplane 6008 definedthrough the modular energy system 6000. In the example of FIG. 15, theheader module 6002 houses a power backplane segment 6008′, the firstsurgical module 6004′ houses a power backplane segment 6008″, and thesecond surgical module 6004″ houses a power backplane segment 6008″. Thepower backplane segment 6008′ is detachably coupled to the powerbackplane segment 6008″ in the stack configuration. Further, the powerbackplane 6008″ is detachably coupled to the power backplane segment6008′″ in the stack configuration. Accordingly, energy flows from theAC/DC power supply 6003 to the power backplane segment 6008′, then tothe power backplane segment 6008″, and then to the power backplanesegment 6008′″.

In the example of FIG. 15, the power backplane segment 6008′ isdetachably connected to the power backplane segment 6008″ viapass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006 in the stack configuration.Further, the power backplane segment 6008″ is detachably connected tothe power backplane segment 6008′″ via pass-through hub connectors 6025,6056 in the stack configuration. In certain instances, removing asurgical module from the stack configuration severs its connection tothe power supply 6003. For example, separating the second surgicalmodule 6004″ from the first surgical module 6004′ disconnects the powerbackplane segment 6008′″ from the power backplane segment 6008″.However, the connection between the power backplane segment 6008″ andthe power backplane segment 6008′″ remains intact as long as the headermodule 6002 and the first surgical module 6004′ remain in the stackconfiguration. Accordingly, energy can still flow to the first surgicalmodule 6004′ after disconnecting the second surgical module 6004″through the connection between the header module 6002 and the firstsurgical module 6004′. Separating connected modules can be achieved, incertain instances, by simply pulling the surgical modules 6004 apart.

In the example of FIG. 15, each of the modules 6002, 6004 includes amitigated module control 6023. The mitigated module controls 6023 arecoupled to corresponding local power regulation modules 6024 that areconfigured to regulate power based on input from the mitigated modulecontrols 6023. In certain aspects, the mitigated module controls 6023allow the header module 6002 to independently control the local powerregulation modules 6024.

The modular energy system 6000 further includes a mitigatedcommunications interface 6021 that includes a segmented communicationbackplane 6027 extending between the mitigated module controls 6023. Thesegmented communication backplane 6027 is similar in many respects tothe segmented power backplane 6008. Mitigated Communication between themitigated module controls 6023 of the header module 6002 and thesurgical modules 6004 can be achieved through the segmentedcommunication backplane 6027 defined through the modular energy system6000. In the example of FIG. 15, the header module 6002 houses acommunication backplane segment 6027′, the first surgical module 6004′houses a communication backplane segment 6027″, and the second surgicalmodule 6004″ houses a communication backplane segment 6027′″. Thecommunication backplane segment 6027′ is detachably coupled to thecommunication backplane segment 6027″ in the stack configuration via thepass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006. Further, the communicationbackplane 6027″ is detachably coupled to the communication backplanesegment 6027″ in the stack configuration via the pass-through hubconnectors 6025, 6026.

Although the example of FIG. 15 depicts a modular energy system 6000includes a header module 6002 and two surgical modules 6004′ 6004″, thisis not limiting. Modular energy systems with more or less surgicalmodules are contemplated by the present disclosure. In some aspects, themodular energy system 6000 includes other modules such as, for example,a communications module. In some aspects, the header module 6502supports a display screen such as, for example, the display 2006 (FIG.7A) that renders a GUI such as, for example, the GUI 2008 for relayinginformation regarding the modules connected to the header module 6002.The GUI 2008 of the display screen 2006 can provide a consolidated pointof control all of the modules making up the particular configuration ofa modular energy system.

FIG. 16 depicts a simplified schematic diagram of the modular energysystem 6000, which illustrates a primary communications interface 6040between the header module 6002 and the surgical modules 6004. Theprimary communications interface 6040 communicably connects moduleprocessors 6041, 6041′, 6041″ of the header module 6002 and the surgicalmodules 6004. Commands generated by the module processor 6041 of theheader module are transmitted downstream to a desired functionalsurgical module via the primary communications interface 6040. Incertain instances, the primary communications interface 6040 isconfigured to establish a two-way communication pathway betweenneighboring modules. In other instances, the primary communicationsinterface 6040 is configured to establish a one-way communicationpathway between neighboring modules.

Furthermore, the primary communications interface 6040 includes asegmented communication backplane 6031, which is similar in manyrespects to the segmented power backplane 6008. Communication betweenthe header module 6002 and the surgical modules 6004 can be achievedthrough the segmented communication backplane 6031 defined through themodular energy system 6000. In the example of FIG. 16, the header module6002 houses a communication backplane segment 6031′, the first surgicalmodule 6004′ houses a communication backplane segment 6031″, and thesecond surgical module 6004″ houses a communication backplane segment6031′″. The communication backplane segment 6031′ is detachably coupledto the communication backplane segment 6031″ in the stack configurationvia the pass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006. Further, thecommunication backplane 6031″ is detachably coupled to the communicationbackplane segment 6031″ in the stack configuration via the pass-throughhub connectors 6025, 6026.

In at least one example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the primarycommunications interface 6040 is implemented using the DDS frameworkrunning on a Gigabit Ethernet interface. The module processors 6041,6041′, 6041″ are connected to Gigabit Ethernet Phy 6044, and GigabitEthernet Switches 6042′, 6042″. In the example of FIG. 16, the segmentedcommunication backplane 6031 connects the Gigabit Ethernet Phy 6044 andthe Gigabit Ethernet Switches 6042 of the neighboring modules.

In various aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the header module 6002includes a separate Gigabit Ethernet Phy 6045 for an externalcommunications interface 6043 with the processor module 6041 of theheader module 6002. In at least one example, the processor module 6041of the header module 6002 handles firewalls and information routing.

Referring to FIG. 15, the AC/DC power supply 6003 may provide an ACStatus signal 6011 that indicates a loss of AC power supplied by theAC/DC power supply 6003. The AC status signal 6011 can be provided toall the modules of the modular energy system 6000 via the segmentedpower backplane 6008 to allow each module as much time as possible for agraceful shutdown, before primary output power is lost. The AC statussignal 6011 is received by the module specific circuits 6013, 6014,6015, for example. In various examples, the system power control 6017can be configured to detect AC power loss. In at least one example, theAC power loss is detected via one or more suitable sensors.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, to ensure that a local power failure inone of the modules of the modular energy system 6000 does not disablethe entire power bus, the primary power input to all modules can befused or a similar method of current limiting can be used (e-fuse,circuit breaker, etc.). Further, Ethernet switch power is segregatedinto a separate power domain 6013 so that the primary communicationsinterface 6040 remains alive when local power to a module is removed. Inother words, primary power can be removed and/or diverted from asurgical module without losing its ability to communicate with othersurgical modules 6004 and/or the header module 6002.

Screen Connection Method

Having described a general implementation the header and modules ofmodular energy systems 2000, 3000, 6000, the disclosure now turns todescribe various aspects of other modular energy systems. The othermodular energy systems are substantially similar to the modular energysystem 2000, the modular energy system 3000, and/or the modular energysystem 6000. For the sake of brevity, various details of the othermodular energy systems being described in the following sections, whichare similar to the modular energy system 2000, the modular energy system3000, and/or the modular energy system 6000, are not repeated herein.Any aspect of the other modular energy systems described below can bebrought into the modular energy system 2000, the modular energy system3000, or the modular energy system 6000.

As referenced elsewhere herein, operating rooms (ORs) everywhere in theworld are a tangled web of cords, devices, and people due to the amountof equipment required to perform surgical procedures. Surgical capitalequipment tends to be a major contributor to this issue. For instance,as additional advanced equipment is needed for individual procedures,ORs continue to become more cramped. This problem can be addressedutilizing a modular energy system.

For example, a modular energy system, such as modular energy system2000, can be assembled from a variety of different modules that canprovide different functionality, thereby allowing the modular energysystem to be assembled into different configurations to customize thefunctions and capabilities of the modular energy system by customizingthe modules that are included in each modular energy system. Forexample, as discussed above, the modular energy system could includesome combination of a header module, such as header module 2002 (whichcan include a display screen, such as display screen 2006), an energymodule, such as energy module 2004, a technology module, such astechnology module 2040, and/or a visualization module, such asvisualization module 2042.

In various embodiments, the header module of the modular energy systemcan be configured to control the system-wide settings of each module andcomponent connected thereto in the modular energy system throughphysical controls, such as physical controls 2011 thereon and/or agraphical user interface (GUI), such as GUI 2008, rendered on thedisplay screen. Such settings could include the activation of themodular energy system, the volume of alerts, footswitch settings,settings icons, appearance or configuration of the user interface, thesurgeon profile logged into the modular energy system, and/or the typeof surgical procedure being performed. The header module can also beconfigured to provide communications, processing, and/or power for themodules that are connected to the header module.

Currently, there is a trend towards touchscreen displays on equipmentbecause it both provides increased functionality and flexibility overknobs or buttons. However, it is ideal that these displays be as largeas possible to ease the use on an operator of the display since smalltext and touch areas can be difficult to use. Therefore, there is a needto minimize the size of equipment, while also maximizing the size of thedisplay.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, a modular energy system 600 isprovided, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.The modular energy system 600 can include a header module 602, which canbe similar to header module 2002, and an energy module 604, such can besimilar to energy module 2004. While the modular energy system 600 asshown and described includes a header module 602 and an energy module604, it should be understood that the modular energy system 600 couldinclude any number or combination of modules, such as additional energymodules, a technology module, a visualization module, etc.

In one aspect, the energy module 604 can include a port assembly 606,which can be similar to port assembly 2012, that can include a number ofdifferent ports configured to deliver different energy modalities tocorresponding surgical instruments that are connectable thereto. Invarious embodiments, the port assembly 606 can include a bipolar port608, which can be similar to bipolar port 2014, a first monopolar port610 a, which can be similar to first monopolar port 2016 a, a secondmonopolar port 610 b, which can be similar to second monopolar port 2016b, a neutral electrode port 612, which can be similar to neutralelectrode port 2018, and a combination energy port 614, which can besimilar to combination energy port 2020. It should be understood thatthis particular combination of ports is simply provided for illustrativepurposes and alternative combinations of ports and/or energy modalitiesmay be possible for the port assembly 606.

Further, the energy module 604 can include an enclosure 616 that housesinternal components of the energy module 604 therein. In variousembodiments, the enclosure 616 can define vents 618 that can vent heatgenerated within the energy module 604 to prevent the energy module 604from overheating. In various embodiments, the energy module 604 canfurther include a plurality of feet 620 extending from the enclosure616, which can be received in corresponding grooves defined on top ofother modules for the purposes of stacking the energy module 604 withother modules in the modular energy system 600.

In one aspect, the header module 602 can include an enclosure 622 whichcan house various internal components of the header module 602 therein,such as a control system 694 (see FIG. 31). In various embodiments, thecontrol system 694 can be a printed circuit board (PCB). In variousembodiments, the enclosure 622 can define vents 624 that can vent heatgenerated within the header module 602 to prevent the header module 602from overheating. In one aspect, the header module 602 can furtherinclude various physical controls, such as a power button 626, that cancontrol the activation of each module that is connected to the headermodule 602 in the modular energy system 600. In various embodiments, theheader module 602 can further include an RFID tag reader 628 which canbe in electrical communication with the control system 694 of the headermodule 602. The RFID tag reader 628 can be configured to read RFID tags,such as clinician specific RFID tags, which can include clinicianspecific default settings and parameters for the header module 602. Forexample, the RFID reader 628 can communicate with a clinician's RFID tagto set the clinician's preferred default parameters of the header module602 prior to operation of the header module 602. In various otherembodiments, the RFID reader 628 can read RFID tags that can set defaultparameters associated with specific types of surgical procedures to beperformed.

In one aspect, the enclosure 622 of the header module 602 can define arecess 630. The recess 630 can include a first guidewall 632, a secondguidewall 634, and a base 636 extending from the first guidewall 632 tothe second guidewall 634. In various embodiments, the recess 630 caninclude an electrical connector 638 extending from the base of therecess 630. The electrical connector 638 can be in electricalcommunication with the control system 694 of the header module 602 suchthat the control system 694 can transmit various electrical signals toelectrical components coupled to the electrical connector 638, as willbe described in more detail below. In various embodiments, theelectrical connector 638 can be connected to the control system 694 withan electrical ribbon 639 (see FIG. 31).

Referring now to FIGS. 19, 21, and 22, the enclosure 622 of the headermodule 602 can further define a first aperture 640 and a second aperture642. The first and second apertures 640, 642 can be defined in theenclosure 622 and sized to receive latch arms 668, 670 from a latchmechanism 660, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring again to FIGS. 17 and 18, the modular energy system 600 canfurther include a display 644, which can be similar to display screen2006. The display 644 can be configured for displaying a GUI 645, whichcan be similar to GUI 2008. The display 644 can include a touchscreenfor receiving input from users in addition to displaying information,such as statuses of other modules coupled to the header module 602. Thecontrols displayed on the GUI 645 can correspond to the module(s) thatare connected to the header module 602. In some aspects, differentportions or areas of the GUI 645 can correspond to particular modules inthe modular energy system. For example, a first portion or area of theGUI 645 can correspond to a first module, such as the energy module 604,and a second portion or area of the GUI 645 can correspond to a secondmodule, such as another energy module, a technology module, or avisualization module stacked beneath the energy module 604. As differentand/or additional modules are connected or stacked with the modularenergy system 600, the GUI 645 can adjust to accommodate the differentand/or additional controls for each newly added module or removecontrols for each module that is removed. Each portion of the display644 corresponding to a particular module connected to the header module602 can display controls, data, user prompts, and/or other informationcorresponding to that module.

Referring now to FIGS. 19, 23, and 24, the display 644 can include amounting structure 646 that be utilized for removably coupling thedisplay 644 to the header module 602. In various embodiments, themounting structure 646 can include a dovetail coupler 648, shown mostclearly in FIG. 19, that can include a first sidewall 650 and a secondsidewall 652 angled relative to the first sidewall 650. The first andsecond sidewalls 650, 652 can be angled relative to the display 644 suchthat the first and second sidewalls 650, 652 correspond to the first andsecond guidewalls 632, 634 of the recess 630 of the header module 602.In one aspect, shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the guidewalls 632, 634 of therecess 630 can align with the sidewalls 650, 652 of the mountingstructure 646 to guide the dovetail coupler 648 through the recess 630of the header module 602 to removably seat the dovetail coupler 648within the recess 630. In one aspect, the first sidewall 650 can movealong the first guidewall 632 and the second sidewall 652 can more alongthe second guidewall 634 to move the dovetail coupler 648 through therecess 630. In one aspect, the dovetail coupler 648 can include a firstbase portion 651 extending transversely from the first sidewall 650 anda second base portion 653 extending from the second sidewall 652. As thedovetail coupler 648 moves through the recess 630, the first and secondbase portions 651, 653 of the dovetail coupler 648 can abut and restagainst the base 636 of the recess 630.

In various embodiments, as shown most clearly in FIG. 19, the recess 630can further include a first capture arm 633 extending from the firstguidewall 632 and a second capture arm 635 extending from the secondguidewall 634. In one aspect, the first capture arm 633 can extendaround and capture the first sidewall 650 of the dovetail coupler 648and the second capture arm 635 can extend around and capture the secondsidewall 652 of the dovetail coupler 648 when the dovetail coupler 648is positioned in the recess 630. The first and second capture arms 633,635 can abut the sidewalls 650, 652 of the dovetail coupler 648 toprevent forward rotation of the dovetail coupler 648 out of the recess630, maintaining the position of the display 644 relative to the headermodule 602.

Referring now FIGS. 19, 27, and 28, the dovetail coupler 648 can furtherinclude a recess 654 defined adjacent to the first base portion 651 andthe second base portion 653. The recess 654 can be sized and positionedsuch that, when the dovetail coupler 648 is positioned within the recess630 of the header module 602, as discussed above, the recess 654 of thedovetail coupler 648 can capture the electrical connector 638 of theheader module 602 therein. In various embodiments, the recess 654 of thedovetail coupler 648 can include an electrical connector 656 that is inelectrical communication with a control system of the display 644. Inone aspect, when the dovetail coupler 648 is positioned within therecess 654 of the header module 602, the recess 654 of the dovetailcoupler 648 can capture the electrical connector 638 of the headermodule 602 therein and the electrical connector 656 of the display 644can electrically couple with the electrical connector 638 of the headermodule 602. When the electrical connector 638 is electrically coupled tothe electrical connector 656, the control system 694 of the headermodule 602 can transmit electrical signals to the display 644, such aspower signals, communication signals, control signals, etc., to controlvarious operations of the display 644.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, the mountingstructure 646 can further include a latch mechanism 660 that canreleasably latch the display 644 to the header module 602. In variousembodiments, the latch mechanism 660 can include a slider button 662, aslider bar 664, and a spring 666. The slider bar 664 can include a firstlatch arm 668 and a second latch arm 670 extending from the slider bar664.

In one aspect, referring to FIG. 24, the mounting structure 646 candefine a recess 672 on a back side 646 b of the mounting structure 646that can house various components of the latch mechanism 660 therein. Invarious embodiments, the mounting structure 646 can include a mountingplate 674 that defines a plurality of apertures 676 a-g. In one aspect,the apertures 676 a-e can be sized to receive a plurality of fasteners677 a-e therethrough. As shown in FIGS. 21-23, fasteners 677 a-d canextend through apertures 676 a-d, respectively, of the mounting plate674 and removably couple to mounting holes defined in the mountingstructure 646 to mount the mounting plate 674 within the recess 672 ofthe mounting structure 646. In addition, fastener 677 e can extendthrough aperture 676 e of mounting plate 674 and removably couple to amounting hole 665 defined in the slider bar 664 to removably couple thelatching mechanism 660 to the mounting plate 674. In variousembodiments, the aperture 676 e can be sized to allow for lateralmovement of the fastener 677 e within the aperture 676 e, as is shownmost clearly in FIG. 23 and will be described in more detail below. Invarious embodiments, continuing to refer to FIG. 23, aperture 676 f canbe sized to receive a first pin 678 a extending from the slider bar 664and aperture 676 g can be sized to receive a second pin 678 b extendingfrom the slider bar 664. The apertures 676 f, 676 g can be sized toallow for lateral movement of the pins 678 a, 678 b therewithin, asshown most clearly in FIGS. 21-23 and will be described in more detailbelow.

In one aspect, as shown in FIGS. 21, 22, and 24, the mounting structure646 can define a groove 680 on a front side 646 a of the mountingstructure 646 that can be sized to receive the slider button 662 thereinand allow for lateral movement of the slider button 662 therein. Theslider button 662 can include a pin that can extend through a slotdefined in the groove 680 and can couple to the slider bar 664 such thatlateral movement of the slider button 662 within the groove 680 causeslateral movement of the slider bar 664 within the recess 672. In variousembodiments, the slider button 662 can include a lip 663 extendingtherefrom that can aid in a users ability to move the slider button 662within the groove 680.

While a slider button 662 with a lip 663 is shown and described, otherslider buttons are contemplated by the present disclosure. In oneexample embodiment, referring to FIG. 25, an alternate slider button 682is provided. The slider button 682 can be circular and include a groove683 defined therein that can receive a user's finger therein to aid inmoving the slider button 682 within the groove 680 of the mountingstructure 646. In another example embodiment, referring to FIG. 26, analternate slider button 684 is provided. The slider button 684 can be ahalf-circle shape that includes a flat edge 685 that can aid the user inmoving the slider button 684 within the groove 680 of the mountingstructure 646.

Referring to FIG. 28, the mounting structure 646 can define a firstaperture 669 and a second aperture 671 on the front side 646 a thereof.In one aspect, the first latch arm 668 of the latch mechanism 660 canextend from the slider bar 664 through the first aperture 669 and thesecond latch arm 670 of the latch mechanism 660 can extend from theslider bar 664 through the second aperture 671. As shown most clearly inFIGS. 21 and 22, the latch arms 668, 670 can include a base 668 a, 670 aextending from the slider bar 664 and a head 668 b, 670 b extending fromthe base 668 a, 670 a. The heads 668 b, 670 b can include a contactsurface 668 c, 670 c and a cam surface 668 d, 670 d, as will bedescribed in more detail below.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 21 and 22, as referenced above, the sliderbar 664 can be movably coupled to the slider button 662 such thatlateral movement of the slider button 662 within the groove 680 causeslateral movement of the slider bar 664 within the recess 672. The sliderbutton 662 can be moveable within the groove 680 to transition the latchmechanism 660 between a locked position, shown in FIG. 21, and anunlocked positioned, as shown in FIG. 22. In one aspect, as the sliderbutton 662 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position,the slider bar 664 can translate laterally within the recess 672, whichcan cause the first latch arm 668 and the second latch arm 670 to movewithin the first aperture 669 and the second aperture 671, respectively,as well as cause fastener 677 e to laterally translate within aperture676 e, as well as cause pins 678 a, 678 b to laterally translate withinapertures 676 f, 676 g, respectively. The size of any number of thegroove 680 or the apertures 676 e-f can be defined to determine themaximum displacement of the latch mechanism 660 between the unlocked andlocked positions.

In various embodiments, as referenced above, the latch mechanism 660 caninclude a spring 666. The spring 666 can be coupled to an opposite endof the slider bar 664 relative to the slider button 662, as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. In one aspect, the spring 666 can be mounted within therecess 672 of the mounting structure 646 and can bias the slider bar 664toward the locked position, as shown in FIG. 21, and thus, the bias theslider button 662 within the groove 680 toward a position correspondingto the locked position of the latch mechanism 660. In various otherembodiments, the spring 666 can be positioned near the slider button 662such that, as the slider bar 664 moves toward the unlocked position, thespring 666 can expand and bias the slider bar 664 back to the lockedposition.

As referenced above, the display 644 can be coupled to the header module602 by way of the dovetail coupler 648 moving through the recess 630defined in the header module 602. In one aspect, as the dovetail coupler648 moves through the recess 630 and the guidewalls 632, 634 of therecess 630 guide the sidewalls 650, 652 of the mounting structure 646,the latch arms 668, 670 that are extending through the apertures 669,671 of the mounting structure 646 can move through apertures 640, 642,respectively, defined in the enclosure 622 of the header module 602. Asthe latch arms 668, 670 move through the apertures 640, 642, the camsurfaces 668 d, 670 d of the latch arms 668, 670 can abut sidewalls 641,643 defined by the apertures 640, 642 and cam the latch arms 668, 670,and thus, the slider bar 664, toward the unlocked position, allowing thelatch arms 668, 670 to pass through the apertures 640, 642.

In one aspect, once the latch arms 668, 670 pass through the apertures640, 642 and have entered the enclosure 622 of the header module 602,the spring 666 can bias the slider bar 664 back to the locked position,causing contact surfaces 668 c, 670 c of the latch arms 668, 670 toengage latch blocks 658 a, 658 b positioned within the header module602. The latch arms 668, 670 can engage the latch blocks 658 a, 658 band prevent the latch arms 668, 670 from escaping through the apertures640, 642 while the latch mechanism 660 is in the locked position. Asshown in FIG. 22, to release the display 644 from the header module 602,a user can move the slider button 662 within the groove 680, causing thelatch mechanism 660 to move toward the unlocked position. In theunlocked position, the latch arms 668, 670 are released from the latchblocks 658 a, 658 b, allowing the latch arms 668, 670 to be removed fromthe header module 602 through the apertures 640, 642.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-37, a modular energy system 601 is provided,according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In variousembodiments, the modular energy system 601 can be similar to modularenergy system 600, where like references numbers described throughoutthe present disclosure are utilized in FIGS. 32-37 to identify theirsimilarities and will not be repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

Accessible Memory on Modular Energy System

As referenced elsewhere herein, a modular energy system, such as modularenergy system 600, 601, 2000, can be assembled from a variety ofdifferent modules that can provide different functionality, therebyallowing the modular energy system to be assembled into differentconfigurations to customize the functions and capabilities of themodular energy system by customizing the modules that are included ineach modular energy system. For example, as discussed above, the modularenergy system could include some combination of a header module, such asheader module 602, 2002 (which can include a display screen, such asdisplay screen 2006), an energy module, such as energy module 604, 2004,a technology module, such as technology module 2040, and/or avisualization module, such as visualization module 2042.

In various embodiments, the header module of the modular energy systemcan be configured to control the system-wide settings of each module andcomponent connected thereto in the modular energy system throughphysical controls, such as physical controls 626, 2011 thereon and/or agraphical user interface (GUI), such as GUI 645, 2008, rendered on thedisplay screen. Such settings could include the activation of themodular energy system, the volume of alerts, footswitch settings,settings icons, appearance or configuration of the user interface, thesurgeon profile logged into the modular energy system, and/or the typeof surgical procedure being performed. The header module can also beconfigured to provide communications, processing, and/or power for themodules that are connected to the header module.

In various embodiments, the header module can serve as a central systemfor the modules of the modular energy system and surgical instrumentsthat are operably coupled to the various modules, such as an energymodule. The header module can collect data gathered by the surgicalinstruments operably coupled thereto, which can be stored in a memoryfor later use or evaluation. Due to worldwide regulations, anypersonally identifiable data that is collected by medical equipment,such as the header module and the surgical instruments, needs to beaccessible to the owners of the equipment. It is ideal that the data iseasily accessible to the owner such that the owner doesn't need specialequipment to retrieve or risk damaging the information. While it isideal that this data be easily accessible to the owners, however, it isalso ideal that this data is also not readily available to all users ofthe equipment where it may be accidentally removed or damaged.Therefore, it is there desirable to find a simple location to save datacollected that is not readily visible, but can be quickly and easilyaccessible if needed.

Continuing from the above-provided discussion regarding modular energysystem 600, referring now to FIGS. 17, 18, 38, and 39, the header module602 of the modular energy system 600 can include a memory compartment690 defined in the enclosure 622. Referring particularly to FIG. 39, thememory compartment 690 can be sized to receive a memory card 692, suchas an SD card, therein.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 17, the memory compartment 690can be defined in the enclosure 622 such that, when the display 644 iscoupled to the header module 602, as discussed elsewhere herein, thememory compartment 690 can be hidden and inaccessible. In one aspect,with the display 644 coupled to the header module 602, it is not readilyapparent where the memory card 692 is located, which can mean that thememory card 692 is unlikely to be accidentally removed or damaged. Invarious embodiments, referring now to FIG. 18, the memory compartment690 can be defined in the enclosure 622 such that, when the display 644of the modular energy system 600 is uncoupled from the header module602, the memory compartment 690 is visible and accessible to an owner ofthe header module 602. In this sense, the memory card 692 can be readilyretrieved by a trained representative or technician by simply uncouplingthe display 644 from the header module 602, such as by releasing thedisplay 644 with the slider button 662 of the latch mechanism 660, asdescribed elsewhere herein.

Defining the memory compartment 690 at the front of the header module602, where it will be covered by the display 644, is beneficial asopposed to defining the memory compartment 690 at another location onthe header module 602, such as on a back side of the header module 602.In one aspect, referring to FIG. 31, as an example, the front side ofthe header module 602 can include extra space compared to the backsideof the header module 602, owing to the positioning of the control system694 within the header module 602. Additionally, defining the memorycompartment 690 at the front of the header module 602 can providenatural protection from fluid ingress, owing to the positioning of thedisplay 644 in front of the memory compartment 690. Further, definingthe memory compartment 690 at the front of the header module 602 can bebeneficial in that it that the memory card 692 can be added to the mainboard of the control system 694 without the need for any additionalconnections, which can reduce cost, as well as improve signal integrity.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 18, 38, and 39, theheader module 602 can further include a door 696 that is sized to coverthe memory compartment 690. In one aspect, the door 696 can provideadditional protection against fluid ingress when the header module 602is in use, while also providing the benefit of making the memory card692 not readily visible. In various embodiments, the enclosure 622 candefine a lip 698 that surrounds the memory compartment 690. The lip 698can be sized such that a user is able to insert the memory card 692 intothe memory compartment 690, but the lip 698 prevents the door 696 frommoving into the memory compartment 690. In one aspect, the door 696 canbe seated on the lip 698 such that, as shown in FIG. 38, the door 696 isflush with the surface of the enclosure 622 of the header module 602.

In various embodiments, the door 696 can include an aperture 700 that issized to receive a fastener, such as a screw, therethrough. In oneaspect, enclosure 622 can further include a mounting hole 702, shown inFIG. 39, that can sized to receive the fastener therein. In one exampleoperation, to assembly the door 696 to the header module 602, a user canseat the door 696 on the lip 698 of the memory compartment 690, coveringthe memory compartment 690 and a memory card 692 potentially storedtherein. Then, a user can insert the fastener through the aperture 700and into the mounting hole 702 to couple the door 696 to the enclosure622. The use of the door 696 and the fastener can allow for quick andeasy accessibility of the memory compartment 690 (and the memory card692) if needed. The use of the door 696 also provides additionalprotection at times when the display 644 is uncoupled to the headermodule 602, such as during assembly or shipping of the same.

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, a header module 704 is provided, accordingto at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In one aspect, theheader module 704 can be similar to header module 602. In variousembodiments, the header module 704 can include a memory compartment 706,similar to memory compartment 690, defined in an enclosure 708 of theheader module 704. The memory compartment 706 can be sized to receive amemory card, such as memory card 692, therein.

In various embodiments, similar to memory compartment 690, the memorycompartment 706 can be defined in the enclosure 708 such that, when adisplay, such as display 644, is coupled from the header module 704, thememory compartment 706 can be hidden and inaccessible to an owner of theheader module 704. In one aspect, with the display coupled to the headermodule 704, it is not readily apparent where the memory card is located,which can mean that the memory card is unlikely to be accidentallyremoved or damaged. In various embodiments, similar to memorycompartment 690, the memory compartment can be defined in the enclosure708 such that, when the display is uncoupled from the header module 704,the memory compartment 706 is visible and accessible to an owner of theheader module 704. In this sense, the memory card can be readilyretrieved by a trained representative or technician by simply uncouplingthe display from the header module 704, such as by releasing the displaywith a slider button of a latch mechanism, as described elsewhereherein.

Defining the memory compartment 706 at the front of the header module704, where it will be covered by the display, is beneficial as opposedto defining the memory compartment 706 at another location on the headermodule 704, such as on a back side of the header module 704. In oneaspect, similar to memory compartment 690, the front side of the headermodule 704 can include extra space compared to the backside of theheader module, owing to the positioning of the control system, such ascontrol system 694, within the header module 704. Additionally, definingthe memory compartment 706 at the front of the header module 704 canprovide natural protection from fluid ingress, owing to the positioningof the display in front of the memory compartment 706. Further, definingthe memory compartment 706 at the front of the header module 704 can bebeneficial in that it that the memory card can be added to the mainboard of the control system without the need for any additionalconnections, which can reduce cost, as well as improve signal integrity.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 40 and 41, the headermodule 704 can further include a door 710 that is sized to cover thememory compartment 706. In one aspect, the door 710 can provideadditional protection against fluid ingress when the header module 602is in use, while also providing the benefit of making the memory cardnot readily visible. In various embodiments, the enclosure 708 candefine a lip 712, similar to lip 698, that surrounds the memorycompartment 706. The lip 712 can be sized such that a user is able toinsert the memory card into the memory compartment 706, but the lip 712prevents the door 710 from moving into the memory compartment 706. Inone aspect, the door 710 can be seated on the lip 712 such that, asshown in FIG. 40, the door 710 is flush with the surface of theenclosure 708 of the header module 704. In various embodiments, theenclosure 708 can further define notches 714 a, 714 b, as will bediscussed in more detail below.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 40 and 41, the door 710can include a mounting structure that includes a first mounting arm 718a and a second mounting arm 718 b. Each of the mounting arms 718 a, 718b can include a base 720 a, 720 b, an arm 722 a, 722 b extending fromthe base 720 a, 720 b, and a hook 724 a, 724 b extending from the arm722 a, 722 b. As shown in FIG. 41, the mounting arms 718 a, 718 b extendfrom the door 696 such that, when the door 710 is moved toward the lip712 of the memory compartment 706, the mounting arms 718 a, 718 b canextend through the memory compartment 706. The hooks 724 a, 724 b caninclude a cam surface 726 a, 726 b that can abut cam surfaces 727 a, 727b of the lip 712 as the mounting arms 718 a, 718 b move through thememory compartment 706, causing the mounting arms 718 a, 718 b to flexaway from the lip 712, allowing the mounting arms 718 a, 718 b to enterthe memory compartment 706. Once the hooks 724 a, 724 b pass the lip712, the cam surfaces 726 a, 726 b can disengage the lip 712, causingthe mounting arms 718 a, 718 b to bias toward their unflexed positions,as shown in FIG. 41. In the unflexed position, contact surfaces 728 a,728 b of the hooks 724 a, 724 b can engage the notches 714 a, 714 b ofthe enclosure 708, preventing the mounting arms 718 a, 718 b from movingout of the memory compartment 706, and thus, preventing the door 710from moving away from the memory compartment 706.

In one aspect, to remove the door 710 from the memory compartment 706,referring to FIG. 39, a user can move bases 720 a, 720 b of the mountingarms 718 a, 718 b, such as with their fingers, toward one another.Moving the bases 720 a, 720 b towards one another causes contactsurfaces 728 a, 728 b of mounting arms 718 a, 718 b to move out ofoperable engagement with notches 714 a, 714 b, allowing the mountingarms 718 a, 718 b to be removed from the memory compartment 706, andthus, allowing the door 710 to be moved away from the memory compartment706. The use of the door 710 can allow for quick and easy accessibilityof the memory compartment 706 (and the memory card) if needed withoutthe need of an additional tool, such as a screwdriver. The use of thedoor 710 also provides additional protection at times when the displayis uncoupled to the header module 704, such as during assembly orshipping of the same.

PCB Mounted Connector Biasing with EPAC Crush Ribs

As referenced elsewhere herein, a modular energy system, such as modularenergy system 600, 601, 2000, can be assembled from a variety ofdifferent modules that can provide different functionality, therebyallowing the modular energy system to be assembled into differentconfigurations to customize the functions and capabilities of themodular energy system by customizing the modules that are included ineach modular energy system. For example, as discussed above, the modularenergy system could include some combination of a header module, such asheader module 602, 2002 (which can include a display screen, such asdisplay screen 2006), an energy module, such as energy module 604, 2004,a technology module, such as technology module 2040, and/or avisualization module, such as visualization module 2042.

In various embodiments, the header module of the modular energy systemcan be configured to control the system-wide settings of each module andcomponent connected thereto in the modular energy system throughphysical controls, such as physical controls 626, 2011 thereon and/or agraphical user interface (GUI), such as GUI 645, 2008, rendered on thedisplay screen. Such settings could include the activation of themodular energy system, the volume of alerts, footswitch settings,settings icons, appearance or configuration of the user interface, thesurgeon profile logged into the modular energy system, and/or the typeof surgical procedure being performed. The header module can also beconfigured to provide communications, processing, and/or power for themodules that are connected to the header module.

In various embodiments, the header module can include a control system,such as printed circuit board (PCB), that can control various functionsof the header module, such as communicating data and power to a displayor various other modules coupled to the header module. In one aspect,the control system can be held in place within the header module byEPAC, which is a foam-like material that has very large tolerances.Owing to the tolerances of EPAC, the PCB can vary in position within theheader module.

In one aspect, the PCB can include a variety of externally accessibleconnectors mounted thereon, such as connectors 740 illustrated in FIG.42. The connectors 740 can be accessible through apertures 742 definedin a panel of the header module 744, such as the rear panel 746 of theheader module 744. These connectors 740 allow for external equipment tobe connected to the PCB to control various aspects of the PCB, and thus,the header module 744.

As referenced above, the PCB can be held in place within the headermodule by EPAC, which can cause the PCB to vary in position therein. Asa result of the varying position of the PCB, the externally accessibleconnectors 740 can also vary in position within the header module 744.To accommodate for the varying position in the PCB mounted connecters740 within the header module 744, the apertures 742 in the panel 746would need to be large enough to allow the connectors 740 to vary inposition. However, apertures sized to accommodate the varying positionsof the PCB mounted connectors are not ideal and could potentially allowaccess to the internals of the header module therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 43 and 44, a header module 750 is provided,according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The headermodule 750 can include an enclosure 752 and a PCB 754 positioned withinthe enclosure 752. In one aspect, the PCB 754 can control variousfunctions of the header module 750, such as communicating data and powerto a display or various other modules operably coupled to the headermodule 750. In various embodiments, the PCB 754 can be similar to othercontrol systems disclosed herein, such as control system 694.

In various embodiments, the PCB 754 can include a plurality ofconnectors 756 positioned thereon. The connectors 756 can be sized andconfigured to operably couple to external control systems that cancontrol operation of the PCB 754, and thus, the header module 750. Theenclosure 752 of the header module 750 can define apertures 758 thereinthat can be sized to allow for external connectors of the externalcontrol system to be coupled to the connectors 756 positioned on the PCB754.

In various embodiments, the header module 750 can further include anumber of crush ribs 760 positioned therein. The crush ribs 760 can bepositioned beneath the PCB 754 and can be utilized to control theposition of the connectors 756 of the PCB 754 within the enclosure 752and relative to the apertures 758. In one aspect, the crush ribs 760 canbias the rear end of the control system upward, such as is shown in FIG.44, which can guarantee that the connectors 756 “touch-off” on the topside of the apertures 758 of the enclosure 752. The use of crush ribs760 simplifies the tolerance stack of the EPAC and allows the apertures758 to be small enough to prevent access to the internals of the headermodule 750.

Screen Construction on Capital System

As referenced elsewhere herein, a modular energy system, such as modularenergy system 600, 601, 2000, can be assembled from a variety ofdifferent modules that can provide different functionality, therebyallowing the modular energy system to be assembled into differentconfigurations to customize the functions and capabilities of themodular energy system by customizing the modules that are included ineach modular energy system. For example, as discussed above, the modularenergy system could include some combination of a header module, such asheader module 602, 2002 (which can include a display screen, such asdisplay screen 2006), an energy module, such as energy module 604, 2004,a technology module, such as technology module 2040, and/or avisualization module, such as visualization module 2042.

In various embodiments, the header module of the modular energy systemcan be configured to control the system-wide settings of each module andcomponent connected thereto in the modular energy system throughphysical controls, such as physical controls 626, 2011 thereon and/or agraphical user interface (GUI), such as GUI 645, 2008, rendered on thedisplay screen. Such settings could include the activation of themodular energy system, the volume of alerts, footswitch settings,settings icons, appearance or configuration of the user interface, thesurgeon profile logged into the modular energy system, and/or the typeof surgical procedure being performed. The header module can also beconfigured to provide communications, processing, and/or power for themodules that are connected to the header module.

Currently, there is a trend towards touchscreen displays on equipmentbecause it both provides increased functionality and flexibility overknobs or buttons. As references elsewhere herein, the display is able tobe coupled to and decoupled from the header module, such as with thelatch mechanism 660, as an example The ability to removably couple thedisplay to the header modules provides a number of benefits. As oneexample, this allows the display to be manufactured separate from othercomponents of the modular energy system. As another example, this allowsa user to select between a variety of different displays for use withthe modular energy system, such as displays with varying sizes and/ordegrees of functionality. The ability to decouple the display from theheader module also is beneficial from a shipping perspective, while alsoallowing for ease of maintenance should the display require the same. Itis therefore desirable to continue to improve the removable display toprovide additional benefits, such as providing a simple construction ofthe display that reduces part count, allows separation of the componentsof the display, and fully encloses all internal portions of the display.

Referring now to FIGS. 45-47, a display assembly 770 is provided,according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In variousembodiments, the display assembly 770 can include a rear enclosure 772and a liquid crystal display (LCD) subassembly 774 removably coupleableto the rear enclosure 772, as will be discussed in more detail below. Inone aspect, the rear enclosure 772 can be similar to mounting structure646. In one aspect, the display assembly 770 can be similar to otherdisplays described elsewhere herein.

In various embodiments, the LCD subassembly 774 can include an LCDtouchscreen 776, a front cover 780, and an adhesive 778, such as adouble-sided adhesive, configured to couple the LCD touchscreen 776 andthe front cover 780. In one aspect, the LCD touchscreen 776 can includea coverglass that can be coupled to the LCD touchscreen 776 in asuitable manner, such as with liquid adhesive or air bonding, asexamples. In various embodiments, the front cover 780 and the LCDtouchscreen 776 can be coupled together in various other manners otherthan with the adhesive 778, such as with, screws, press-fit, or thelike.

Referring to FIGS. 45, 46, and most particularly to FIG. 48, the frontcover 780 can include a plurality of latches 782 extending therefrom.The plurality of latches 782 can allow the LCD subassembly 774 to beremovably coupled to the rear enclosure 772, as will be discussed inmore detail below. In one aspect, the plurality of latches 782 canextend around the perimeter of the front cover 780. In various otherembodiments, the plurality of latches 782 can extend from discretelocations of the front cover 780, such as from only one side of thefront cover or multiple sides of the front cover. In variousembodiments, each of the latches 782 can include a base 784 extendedfrom the front cover 780, a latch arm 786 extending from the base 784,and a latch head 788 extending from the latch arm 786. The latch head788 can include a cam surface 790 and a contact surface 792.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 48, the rear enclosure 772 can define anouter lip 773 and a recess 775 sized to receive the LCD subassembly 774therein. The lip 773 can be sized to cover the internals of the displayassembly 770 when the LCD subassembly 774 is positioned in the recess775. In various embodiments, the rear enclosure 772 can define aplurality of notches 794. The plurality of notches 794 can be defined inthe rear enclosure 772 to correspond to the latches 782 extending fromthe front cover 780.

In one aspect, when assembling the display assembly 770, the LCDsubassembly 774 can be moved towards the recess 775 of the rearenclosure 772. As the latches 782 move through the recess 775, the camsurfaces 790 of the latch heads 788 can engage cam surfaces 795 of therear enclosure 772. The cam surfaces 795 of the rear enclosure 772 cancause the latches 782 to flex away from the notches 794 toward a flexposition as the cam surfaces 790 of the latches 782 move along the camsurfaces 795 of the rear enclosure 772. Once the latch head 788traverses the cam surface 795 of the rear enclosure 772, the latch head788 can be biased back toward and unflexed position and snap into thenotches 794 defined in the rear enclosure 772, as shown in FIG. 48. Withthe latch head 788 positioned in the notch 794, the contact surface 792of the latch head 788 can engage contact surface 796 of the notch 794,preventing the latch head 788 from escaping the notch 794, thus,preventing the LCD subassembly 774 from moving relative to the rearenclosure 772. In one aspect, the rear enclosure 772 can define holestherein that can allow for access to the latches 782 within the rearenclosure 772, thereby allowing a user to move the latch heads 788 outof the notches 794, which allows the user to remove from LCD subassembly774 from the rear enclosure 772.

In various embodiments, the rear enclosure 772 can include an electricalconnector 798. In one aspect, the electrical connector 798 can besimilar to electrical connector 656. Similarly, the LCD subassembly 774can include an electrical connector. In one aspect, when the LCDsubassembly 774 is positioned in the rear enclosure 772, as referencedabove, the electrical connector of the LCD subassembly 774 canelectrically couple with the electrical connector 798 of the rearenclosure 772. In various embodiments, the electrical connection can bemade with a wire harness and a connector that slides into the rearenclosure 772. Once assembled, the display assembly 770 can be coupledto a header module, similar to described elsewhere herein. In oneexample embodiment, the electrical connector 798 of the rear enclosure772 could electrically couple to an electrical connector, likeelectrical connector 638, of a header module, such that the headermodule can transmit control signals to the display assembly 770 and cancontrol various operations thereof. In one aspect, the header modularcan control a GUI of the LCD touchscreen 776 to provided status updatesof various modules operably coupled to the header module. In variousembodiments, the header module can communicate with the display assembly770 such that user inputs provided to the LCD touchscreen 776 can becommunicated to the header module to control various aspects of themodular energy system. In one aspect, the display assembly 770 couldinclude a bezel around the LCD touchscreen 776, such as around thecoverglass, and the header module can control light emitted from thebezel to create a highly aesthetic view with maximum usable space.

It should be understood that various embodiments of the disclosuredescribed herein, such as the disclosure associated with FIGS. 17-48, asan example, may be utilized independently, or in combination, with oneanother.

EXAMPLES

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out inthe following numbered examples.

Example 1. A modular energy system comprising a header module comprisingan enclosure and a display comprising a coupler. The enclosure defines arecess. The recess comprises a first guidewall and a second guidewall.The coupler is removably positionable in the recess. The couplercomprises a first sidewall, wherein the first guidewall is configured toguide the first sidewall as the coupler moves through the recess, and asecond sidewall, wherein the second guidewall is configured to guide thesecond sidewall as the coupler moves through the recess.

Example 2. The modular energy system of Example 1, wherein the firstsidewall is angled relative to the second sidewall.

Example 3. The modular energy system of any one or more of Examples 1through 2, wherein the recess further comprises a first capture armconfigured to at least partially surround the first sidewall as thecoupler moves through the recess and a second capture arm configured toat least partially surround the second sidewall as the coupler movesthrough the recess, wherein the first capture arm and the second capturearm are configured to prevent the coupler from rotating away from therecess.

Example 4. The modular energy system of any one or more of Examples 1through 3, wherein the header module comprises a first electricalconnector, wherein the recess further comprises a second electricalconnector, and wherein the first guidewall and the second guidewall areconfigured to guide the second electrical connector toward the firstelectrical connector as the coupler moves through the recess.

Example 5. The modular energy system of any one or more of Examples 1through 4, wherein the display further comprises a latch mechanismconfigured to removably latch the display to the header module.

Example 6. The modular energy system of Example 5, wherein the latchmechanism comprises a first latch arm extending from the display, andwherein the enclosure of the header module further defines a firstaperture configured to receive the first latch arm therethrough.

Example 7. The modular energy system of Example 6, wherein the firstlatch arm is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position,and wherein the first latch arm is prevented from moving through thefirst aperture in the locked position.

Example 8. The modular energy system of Example 7, wherein the latchmechanism further comprises a slider button configured to move the firstlatch arm between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Example 9. The modular energy system of Example 8, wherein the latchmechanism further comprises a spring configured to bias the first latcharm toward the locked position.

Example 10. The modular energy system of any one or more of Examples 6through 9, wherein the latch mechanism comprises a slider bar, whereinthe first latch arm extends from the slider bar, wherein the latchmechanism further comprises a second latch arm extending from the sliderbar, and wherein the enclosure of the header module further defines asecond aperture configured to receive the second latch arm therethrough.

Example 11. The modular energy system of any one or more of Examples 1through 10, wherein the enclosure further defines a memory compartmentconfigured to receive a memory card therein, and wherein the memory cardis hidden when the display is coupled to the header module.

Example 12. The modular energy system of Example 11, further comprisinga door configured to cover the memory compartment.

Example 13. A modular energy system comprising a header modulecomprising an enclosure, a display comprising a coupler, and a latchmechanism configured to removably latch the display to the headermodule. The enclosure defines a recess. The coupler is removablypositionable in the recess.

Example 14. The modular energy system of Example 13, wherein the headermodule comprises a first electrical connector, wherein the recessfurther comprises a second electrical connector, and wherein the firstelectrical connector is configured to electrically couple to the secondelectrical connector.

Example 15. The modular energy system of any one or more of Examples 13through 14, wherein the latch mechanism comprises a first latch armextending from the display, wherein the enclosure of the header modulefurther defines a first aperture configured to receive the first latcharm therethrough.

Example 16. The modular energy system of Example 15, wherein the firstlatch arm is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position,and wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a slider buttonconfigured to move the first latch arm between the locked position andthe unlocked position.

Example 17. A modular energy system comprising a header modulecomprising a housing and a display comprising a coupler. The housingdefines a recess. The recess comprises a first guidewall, a secondguidewall angled relative to the first guidewall, and a first electricalconnector. The coupler is removably positionable in the recess. Thecoupler comprises a second electrical connector configured to removablycouple to the first electrical connector, a first sidewall configured tomove along the first guidewall, and a second sidewall configured to movealong the second guidewall, wherein the first sidewall and the secondsidewall are configured to guide the second electrical connector towardthe first electrical connector.

Example 18. The modular energy system of Example 17, wherein the displayfurther comprises a latch mechanism configured to removably latch thedisplay to the header module.

Example 19. The modular energy system of Example 18, wherein the latchmechanism comprises a first latch arm extending from the display,wherein the housing of the header module further defines a firstaperture configured to receive the first latch arm therethrough.

Example 20. The modular energy system of Example 19, wherein the firstlatch arm is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position,and wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a slider buttonconfigured to move the first latch arm between the locked position andthe unlocked position.

While several forms have been illustrated and described, it is not theintention of Applicant to restrict or limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Numerous modifications, variations, changes,substitutions, combinations, and equivalents to those forms may beimplemented and will occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the structure ofeach element associated with the described forms can be alternativelydescribed as a means for providing the function performed by theelement. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components,other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that theforegoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover allsuch modifications, combinations, and variations as falling within thescope of the disclosed forms. The appended claims are intended to coverall such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions,modifications, and equivalents.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various forms of thedevices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples can beimplemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the formsdisclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implementedin integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on oneor more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or morecomputer systems), as one or more programs running on one or moreprocessors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or moremicroprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof,and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for thesoftware and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skillin the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matterdescribed herein are capable of being distributed as one or more programproducts in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative form of thesubject matter described herein applies regardless of the particulartype of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out thedistribution.

Instructions used to program logic to perform various disclosed aspectscan be stored within a memory in the system, such as dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage.Furthermore, the instructions can be distributed via a network or by wayof other computer readable media. Thus a machine-readable medium mayinclude any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a formreadable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but is not limited to, floppydiskettes, optical disks, compact disc, read-only memory (CD-ROMs), andmagneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROMs), random access memory(RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or opticalcards, flash memory, or a tangible, machine-readable storage used in thetransmission of information over the Internet via electrical, optical,acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves,infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Accordingly, thenon-transitory computer-readable medium includes any type of tangiblemachine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronicinstructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer).

As used in any aspect herein, the term “control circuit” may refer to,for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., acomputer processor including one or more individual instructionprocessing cores, processing unit, processor, microcontroller,microcontroller unit, controller, digital signal processor (DSP),programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), orfield programmable gate array (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmwarethat stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry, and anycombination thereof. The control circuit may, collectively orindividually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a largersystem, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers,laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, smart phones, etc.Accordingly, as used herein “control circuit” includes, but is notlimited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electricalcircuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit,electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integratedcircuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessorconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forminga memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electricalcircuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communicationsswitch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the artwill recognize that the subject matter described herein may beimplemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

As used in any aspect herein, the term “logic” may refer to an app,software, firmware and/or circuitry configured to perform any of theaforementioned operations. Software may be embodied as a softwarepackage, code, instructions, instruction sets and/or data recorded onnon-transitory computer readable storage medium. Firmware may beembodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and/or data that arehard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.

As used in any aspect herein, the terms “component,” “system,” “module”and the like can refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, acombination of hardware and software, software, or software inexecution.

As used in any aspect herein, an “algorithm” refers to a self-consistentsequence of steps leading to a desired result, where a “step” refers toa manipulation of physical quantities and/or logic states which may,though need not necessarily, take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, andotherwise manipulated. It is common usage to refer to these signals asbits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or thelike. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriatephysical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to thesequantities and/or states.

A network may include a packet switched network. The communicationdevices may be capable of communicating with each other using a selectedpacket switched network communications protocol. One examplecommunications protocol may include an Ethernet communications protocolwhich may be capable permitting communication using a TransmissionControl Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The Ethernet protocol maycomply or be compatible with the Ethernet standard published by theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) titled “IEEE802.3 Standard”, published in December, 2008 and/or later versions ofthis standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devicesmay be capable of communicating with each other using an X.25communications protocol. The X.25 communications protocol may comply orbe compatible with a standard promulgated by the InternationalTelecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector(ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may becapable of communicating with each other using a frame relaycommunications protocol. The frame relay communications protocol maycomply or be compatible with a standard promulgated by ConsultativeCommittee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and/or theAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively oradditionally, the transceivers may be capable of communicating with eachother using an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communications protocol.The ATM communications protocol may comply or be compatible with an ATMstandard published by the ATM Forum titled “ATM-MPLS NetworkInterworking 2.0” published August 2001, and/or later versions of thisstandard. Of course, different and/or after-developedconnection-oriented network communication protocols are equallycontemplated herein.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the foregoingdisclosure, it is appreciated that, throughout the foregoing disclosure,discussions using terms such as “processing,” “computing,”“calculating,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registersand memories into other data similarly represented as physicalquantities within the computer system memories or registers or othersuch information storage, transmission or display devices.

One or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,”“configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “ableto,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that “configured to” can generally encompass active-statecomponents and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-statecomponents, unless context requires otherwise.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, terms usedherein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to claims containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitationis explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that suchrecitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recitednumber (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “Aor B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art willappreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed inany order. Also, although various operational flow diagrams arepresented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the variousoperations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of suchalternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted,reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous,reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise.Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or otherpast-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude suchvariants, unless context dictates otherwise.

It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,”“an exemplification,” “one exemplification,” and the like means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances ofthe phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in an exemplification,”and “in one exemplification” in various places throughout thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect.Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or otherdisclosure material referred to in this specification and/or listed inany Application Data Sheet is incorporated by reference herein, to theextent that the incorporated materials is not inconsistent herewith. Assuch, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly setforth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein byreference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth hereinwill only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises betweenthat incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result fromemploying the concepts described herein. The foregoing description ofthe one or more forms has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to theprecise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible inlight of the above teachings. The one or more forms were chosen anddescribed in order to illustrate principles and practical application tothereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the variousforms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith definethe overall scope.

What is claimed:
 1. A modular energy system, comprising: a header modulecomprising an enclosure, wherein the enclosure defines a recess, andwherein the recess comprises a first guidewall and a second guidewall;and a display comprising a coupler removably positionable in the recess,wherein the coupler comprises: a first sidewall, wherein the firstguidewall is configured to guide the first sidewall as the coupler movesthrough the recess; and a second sidewall, wherein the second guidewallis configured to guide the second sidewall as the coupler moves throughthe recess.
 2. The modular energy system of claim 1, wherein the firstsidewall is angled relative to the second sidewall.
 3. The modularenergy system of claim 1, wherein the recess further comprises: a firstcapture arm configured to at least partially surround the first sidewallas the coupler moves through the recess; and a second capture armconfigured to at least partially surround the second sidewall as thecoupler moves through the recess; wherein the first capture arm and thesecond capture arm are configured to prevent the coupler from rotatingaway from the recess.
 4. The modular energy system of claim 1, whereinthe header module comprises a first electrical connector, wherein therecess further comprises a second electrical connector, and wherein thefirst guidewall and the second guidewall are configured to guide thesecond electrical connector toward the first electrical connector as thecoupler moves through the recess.
 5. The modular energy system of claim1, wherein the display further comprises a latch mechanism configured toremovably latch the display to the header module.
 6. The modular energysystem of claim 5, wherein the latch mechanism comprises a first latcharm extending from the display, and wherein the enclosure of the headermodule further defines a first aperture configured to receive the firstlatch arm therethrough.
 7. The modular energy system of claim 6, whereinthe first latch arm is movable between a locked position and an unlockedposition, and wherein the first latch arm is prevented from movingthrough the first aperture in the locked position.
 8. The modular energysystem of claim 7, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises aslider button configured to move the first latch arm between the lockedposition and the unlocked position.
 9. The modular energy system ofclaim 8, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a springconfigured to bias the first latch arm toward the locked position. 10.The modular energy system of claim 6, wherein the latch mechanismcomprises a slider bar, wherein the first latch arm extends from theslider bar, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a second latcharm extending from the slider bar, and wherein the enclosure of theheader module further defines a second aperture configured to receivethe second latch arm therethrough.
 11. The modular energy system ofclaim 1, wherein the enclosure further defines a memory compartmentconfigured to receive a memory card therein, and wherein the memory cardis hidden when the display is coupled to the header module.
 12. Themodular energy system of claim 11, further comprising a door configuredto cover the memory compartment.
 13. A modular energy system,comprising: a header module comprising an enclosure, wherein theenclosure defines a recess; a display comprising a coupler removablypositionable in the recess; and a latch mechanism configured toremovably latch the display to the header module.
 14. The modular energysystem of claim 13, wherein the header module comprises a firstelectrical connector, wherein the recess further comprises a secondelectrical connector, and wherein the first electrical connector isconfigured to electrically couple to the second electrical connector.15. The modular energy system of claim 13, wherein the latch mechanismcomprises a first latch arm extending from the display, wherein theenclosure of the header module further defines a first apertureconfigured to receive the first latch arm therethrough.
 16. The modularenergy system of claim 15, wherein the first latch arm is movablebetween a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein thelatch mechanism further comprises a slider button configured to move thefirst latch arm between the locked position and the unlocked position.17. A modular energy system, comprising: a header module comprising ahousing, wherein the housing defines a recess, and wherein the recesscomprises: a first guidewall; a second guidewall angled relative to thefirst guidewall; and a first electrical connector; a display comprisinga coupler removably positionable in the recess, wherein the couplercomprises: a second electrical connector configured to removably coupleto the first electrical connector; a first sidewall configured to movealong the first guidewall; and a second sidewall configured to movealong the second guidewall, wherein the first sidewall and the secondsidewall are configured to guide the second electrical connector towardthe first electrical connector.
 18. The modular energy system of claim17, wherein the display further comprises a latch mechanism configuredto removably latch the display to the header module.
 19. The modularenergy system of claim 18, wherein the latch mechanism comprises a firstlatch arm extending from the display, wherein the housing of the headermodule further defines a first aperture configured to receive the firstlatch arm therethrough.
 20. The modular energy system of claim 19,wherein the first latch arm is movable between a locked position and anunlocked position, and wherein the latch mechanism further comprises aslider button configured to move the first latch arm between the lockedposition and the unlocked position.